Darin Jensen – 2025 MSC Outstanding Service Award Recipient Representing South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC)
Darin Jensen has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Minnesota Service Cooperatives (MSC) Outstanding Service Award in recognition of his steady leadership, tireless dedication, and behind-the-scenes excellence in supporting the mission of South Central ServiceCooperative (SCSC).
Darin’s commitment to service became especially clear in January 2023, when SCSC faced a sudden challenge following a medical emergency experienced by Business Manager Carol Wessman. At a time when many might have paused, Darin stepped forward without hesitation. His calm presence, financial expertise, and willingness to help ensured that essential business operations continued without missing a beat. While others saw a crisis, Darin saw a responsibility—and answered the call with grace and competence.
Since officially joining SCSC in March 2023 asAdministrative Director of Business Operations, Darin has continued to be a quiet force of leadership and clarity. He plays a vital role in MSC’s administrative hosting of major statewide grants, including those from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and other partners. His talent for bringing order to complexity, along with his ability to explain a budget without requiring a translator, has earned him appreciation not only across the MSC network but especially within the SCSC team.
Darin is also admired for being consistently available, collaborative, and patient—whether it's reviewing grant details or untangling the finer points of fiscal policy. Colleagues often remark on his calm demeanor, helpful nature, and the reassuring way he makes things manageable, even during peak “audit season.”
Beyond SCSC, Darin continues to serve Minnesota’s education community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO), bringing statewide perspective and practical leadership to the profession.
Darin’s career spans over 30 years in school and cooperative business services, with key leadership roles at Region V Computer Services, Southwest West Central Service Cooperative, and Benson Public Schools. His work has impacted districts, agencies, and communities across the state—often without fanfare, but always with integrity.
Outside of work, Darin enjoys all kinds of music and treasures time spent with his family—especially his grandkids, who are probably the only ones who could convince him to set aside a budget spreadsheet for the afternoon.
We’re incredibly proud to recognize Darin Jensen—not just for the work he does, but for how he does it: with integrity, clarity, and the kind of dry humor that makes budget season just a little more bearable.
Congratulations, Darin—you’ve more than earned this.