Chris Jefts (’84, LD ’15) named Alumni Council president-elect

Chris Jefts (’84, LD ’15) has been named president-elect of the Darlington Alumni Council, bringing with him a lifelong appreciation for Darlington and a professional background rooted in building meaningful alumni connections.

A Rome native and five-year day student, Jefts’ Darlington experience was shaped by friendships, athletics and mentors who left a lasting impression. As a student-athlete, he was a member of the 1984 state championship baseball team and the 1982 region championship football team. He has often credited coaches like Jim Van Es for teaching him accountability, leadership and the kind of “tough love” that helped shape his path well beyond Darlington.

“I truly valued my time at Darlington as a student-athlete and continue to appreciate being part of such a special community today,” said Jefts. “The friendships I formed there have stood the test of time and remain some of the most meaningful connections in my life. That sense of connection is a big reason why I stay engaged and why I’m proud of the direction Darlington continues to move.”

After graduating from Darlington, Jefts signed a professional baseball contract and spent five years pitching in the minor league systems of the Chicago White Sox and Montreal Expos. Following his playing career, he continued to build a life around teamwork, leadership, and relationship-building, serving as an assistant baseball coach at the University of Georgia and later as a Major League scout for the Cleveland Indians.

Today, Jefts serves as a Regional Director in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia, where he works with alumni, parents, and donors to strengthen relationships and support philanthropic goals. That professional experience makes his election especially meaningful for Darlington, as he brings both personal commitment and professional expertise to the work of alumni engagement.

“I look forward to working alongside Chris as the president-elect,” said Alumni Council President Izzy Hortman-Pollard (’08, LD ’14). “His involvement in supporting Darlington is vast, and I know myself and all of the Alumni Council members will benefit from his experience and leadership. His day job as a Regional Director for UGA’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations also brings us an interesting perspective. Chris and I share an enthusiasm to connect with as many alumni as possible, so please reach out to either of us.”

Jefts has remained closely connected to Darlington through the years, completing Leadership Darlington in 2015, helping organize his class’s 40th reunion and serving as a dedicated member of the Alumni Council since 2023. He currently serves on the Alumni Division for the Ever Forward Campaign. His continued engagement reflects the very ideals Darlington seeks to instill in its students: wisdom, service and honor.

“My work has taught me that strong alumni support can help advance institutions, and that starts with building real relationships and helping people find meaningful ways to stay connected,” said Jefts. “Darlington has always been an important part of my life, and I’m excited to use my experience in alumni relations to bring more Tigers together, create new opportunities to get involved, and take our alumni engagement to the next level.”

As he steps into this new leadership role, Jefts represents the best of what it means to remain connected to Darlington. His story is one of friendship, gratitude, and service, and his leadership will help strengthen the bonds that continue to unite Tigers across generations.