Through his professional accomplishments and civic leadership, Darrell Hinnant is helping to lead the transition from a textile to a knowledge-based economy in the Charlotte-region with biotechnology in Kannapolis as its hub.

Since 2001, Hinnant’s owned and served as the Chief Scientific and Technology Officer for dHinnant Business Solutions, Inc., a multi-faceted business consulting and technology firm built on the breadth of his professional experience.

Hinnant started his career as a teacher at Eastern Wayne High School and Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC, his hometown. He supplemented his income as a photographer.

In 1972, he entered the chemical sales and water treatment industry. He became the Regional Sales Manager for Rollins Environmental Services before being appointed by Governor James Martin as Executive Director of the North Carolina Hazardous Waste Management Commission, where he served for three years.

After leaving state government in 1991, he became the Chief Operating Officer for Radiator Specialty Company of Charlotte, NC. He also worked as President of Radiator Specialty Company, Canada from 1997 to 1999.

From 1999 to 2001, he was the principal consultant and owner of the Hinnant Group, Inc. The company provided marketing and graphic design for small companies, universities, and museums.

A Kannapolis City Council since 2001, he also serves on the YMCA Board of Directors and the Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County Board of Directors. He is involved with his church, Trinity United Methodist, as a Sunday School teacher and has chaired the administrative board, staff parish committee, and finance committee.

He has been recognized with the Order of the Longleaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest public service award, presented by Governor James Martin. He’s earned a Senior Management Certificate from Duke University. From the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he earned an AB, MAT in Chemistry.

Except for two years in Baton Rouge, LA, Hinnant’s lived in Kannapolis since 1975. He and his wife have two children and two grandchildren.