Dr. Donald J. Darnall is the Executive Director of the Maryland Food Center Authority (the “MFCA”) and has held this position since 1985.

Dr. Darnall has been a member of the World Union of Wholesale Markets, an International Fresh Food Association, since 1989 and has continued as a member of its Board of Directors since 1990. Dr. Darnall was elected Vice-Chairman in 2004 and held the position of Chairman from 2006 to 2008.

He was re-elected to the position of Vice Chairman again in 2015 and began serving again as Chairman in May of 2016 for another two-year term.

He is a long-standing member of the U.S. National Association of Produce Market Managers; United Fresh Produce Association; and Produce for Better Health Foundation. One of Dr. Darnall’s goals is to support a more local and regional focus on the importance of fresh food markets in the U.S. and their impact on supporting the distribution and consumption of locally produced fresh food, and the preservation of open space provided by local farms.

As Executive Director, Dr. Darnall oversees the 400-acre Maryland Wholesale Food Center, including the operation of the Maryland Wholesale Produce Market, the Maryland Wholesale Seafood Market, the development of the Maryland Market Center, and the Rock Hall Clam House, an Eastern Shore waterside marine focused facility.

Dr. Darnall holds a bachelors and masters degree in engineering, an MBA, a law degree and a doctorate in management.