Darren Allison has been tapped to lead The Brigade Boys & Girls Club, the organization announced in a recent news release.

Allison’s experience includes having served as an officer and helicopter pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps for 15 years. A combat veteran, Allison flew “numerous missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Lebanon,” according to the release, which added that he has also worked extensively in Southeast Asia. While on active duty, he taught as an adjunct professor for the Marine Corps University's Expeditionary Warfare School Distance Education Program.

Allison earned a bachelor’s degree in airway science from Hampton University and a Master of Military Studies degree from Marine Corps University, Command and Staff College. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Government.

“Darren is a champion for children and servant-leadership in the community,” the release stated, adding that in addition to his new duties as CEO of the Brigade Boys & Girls Club, Allison volunteers with Guardian ad Litem as a court-appointed child advocate in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties.