Darryl Stephens is an Atlanta native and the founder of SunSeed Strategies LLC, where he helps nonprofits and institutions build strong, compliant, and sustainable grant management systems.

With a background that bridges business strategy and post-award grant management, Darryl brings a rare combination of financial rigor and mission-driven focus to his work. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Georgia State University and an MBA from Howard University. Early in his career, Darryl worked as a sourcing consultant at Kearney, partnering with multinational corporations to streamline operations and reduce supplier costs.

Driven by a desire to create greater social impact, Darryl transitioned from the for-profit sector to higher education and nonprofit work. He returned to Howard University as a Grant Manager, where he led post-award management for several multi-million-dollar grants funded by agencies such as the U.S. Department of State, USAID, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

After several years at Howard, Darryl returned to Atlanta to serve as Principal Grants Manager at the National Institute of Student Success, overseeing a diverse portfolio of federal, state, and foundation grants.

Over the course of his career, Darryl has managed more than $100 million in grant funding, worked with 30+ sub-awardees, and supported complex grant portfolios across two major universities. He is known for his practical, systems-focused approach to post-award management and his ability to translate compliance requirements into clear, workable processes.

Outside of his professional work, Darryl enjoys writing, creating music, and ‘grilling out’ for friends and family.