DEREK M. EDWARDS
Georgetown
Summary
Senior Director and Business Leader with 20+ years’ experience driving operational excellence, P&L management, and enterprise growth across aerospace, energy, defense, and education sectors. Proven success leading cross-functional teams, cultivating Fortune 500 client relationships, and delivering complex programs that ranged from less than $1M to $1B in total contract value. Recognized for strategic vision, financial acumen, and commitment to integrity, vigilance, and excellence.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lecturer
The University of Texas
09.2025 - Current
- Developed and instruct the STEM Project Management Course (SPMC) for the College of Natural Sciences, designed to help PhD and Post Doctoral students plan and execute doctoral research programs. Taught students from seven disciplines, integrating leadership, planning, and execution skills for academic success.
Contract Instructor & Project Management SME
The University of Texas
06.2016 - Current
- Instruct project management to industry professionals through Principles of Project Management (PPM), PMP Boot Camp, and Gold Seal Project Management Certificate Program (PMCP).
- Introduced remote delivery for PMCP and PPM, achieving 54% enrollment through word-of-mouth referrals and generating ~$1.3M in revenue from word-of-mouth referrals.
- Trained 1,250+ professionals from 84 industries, including Fortune 500 firms, startups, and government organizations.
- Supported curriculum updates for PMBOK 5 to 7 and development of self-paced online programs.
Program Management Director
Ultra Energy
04.2022 - 12.2024
- Directed business operations, strategic initiatives, and revenue-generating programs that exceeded $40M.
- Managed P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and contract performance for U.S. operations, driving year-over-year growth.
- Cultivated strong client relationships with Fortune 500 organizations, serving as a trusted advisor for risk management and safety programs.
- Implemented change order process generating $4M+ in additional revenue, securing multi-year departmental funding.
- Led team of 3 project managers, achieving 100% retention and PMP certification success; developed and coached high-performance culture.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with UK executive leadership to align business strategy and operational execution.
- Achieved 22 consecutive months of 100% on-time delivery; recognized with Leadership and Ultra Boost awards.
Program Manager
Eaton Corp, Woodward, and L3 IEC
01.2005 - 01.2015
- Managed multi-million-dollar defense and aerospace programs, leading cross-functional teams, client communications, and strategic turnaround initiatives. Consistently delivered high-value solutions for government and commercial clients, driving profitability, client trust, and operational excellence.
Government Contractor
Overlook Systems Technologies
02.2002 - 03.2005
Captain
United States Air Force
06.1998 - 10.2002
Education
Master of Science - Leadership and Management
University of La Verne
05-2015
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration (MIS)
San Jose State University
05-1998
Skills
- Business Management & P&L Oversight
- Client Relationship Development
- Strategic Business Development
- Trusted Risk Advisor Approach
- Budgeting, Forecasting & Revenue Growth
- Contract Negotiations & RFPs
- Fortune 500 Account Leadership
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced)
- Staff Coaching, Mentoring & Performance Management
Affiliations
- PMI
- PMI Austin Chapter
- AUSA Chapter
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP), Expires March 2028
- Certified Texas Master Naturalist (2021)
Honors & Recognition
Leadership Award – Ultra Energy President & VP US (2024), Ultra Boost Leadership Award – Ultra VP US (2023), Joint Service Commendation Medal – USAF (2002), Joint Service Achievement Medal – USAF (1999)
Timeline
Lecturer
The University of Texas
09.2025 - Current
Program Management Director
Ultra Energy
04.2022 - 12.2024
Contract Instructor & Project Management SME
The University of Texas
06.2016 - Current
Program Manager
Eaton Corp, Woodward, and L3 IEC
01.2005 - 01.2015
Government Contractor
Overlook Systems Technologies
02.2002 - 03.2005
Captain
United States Air Force
06.1998 - 10.2002
Master of Science - Leadership and Management
University of La Verne
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration (MIS)
San Jose State University