Darius Billings: VP, Marketing and Community Engagement, The Athlete's Foot

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Darius Billings: VP, Marketing and Community Engagement, The Athlete's Foot

Darius Billings is a passionate sneaker lover, a steadfast change agent, and a devoted family man. “D Bills,” as he’s known by those close to him, was raised in West Virginia, and lived in Ohio, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania before making Atlanta, Georgia his home for the past twenty years. Whether attending Howard University, marrying his wife Ashley, or pursuing a career in the Athletic/Sneaker industry, Darius knows when he’s found “the right one.” He’s worked for over 25 years as a marketing and merchandising professional with flagship brands like Nike and AND1 Basketball, spending the last 15 years with The Athlete’s Foot.

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In 2020, Darius was inspired to use his platform to foster change in service of his community. He created StAART (Strategic African American Retail Track), a program aimed at growing Black-owned retail through franchising. Through StAART and The Athlete’s Foot, Darius is committed to ensuring that an industry built on African American culture reciprocates by leveraging access to education and resources, mentorship, and relationships with strategic brand partners. In short, he’s laid a path for cultural wealth to return as financial wealth. 
 
Darius is one of four siblings, and family is his core motivator. He and Ashley have two beautiful children: their daughter, Dabria, a bright and fearless sophomore at Clemson University and their son, Baker, a charismatic seven-year-old who’s always ready for a dance battle. The four of them love to travel, taking in the unique perspectives, foods, and cultures of different communities around the world.  
 
While he considers himself a global citizen, Darius has sunk deep roots in Atlanta’s rich soil. Darius is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. and strives to incorporate its principles of achievement in all aspects of his life. On weekends you can find him biking the Atlanta BeltLine with his family, hosting backyard cookouts, dancing an impromptu salsa with his extended family, or spearheading successful community events like #BATTLEOFTHEREALHUATL.