Derrick Willis
Coralville,IA
Summary
Professional with robust background in directing and managing large-scale operations, consistently driving success through strategic planning and execution. Adept at implementing innovative solutions that enhance productivity and operational effectiveness. Known for fostering teamwork and adapting to evolving business needs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
University of Iowa
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Company Overview: Center for Disabilities and Development, Iowa’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
- Center for Disabilities and Development, Iowa’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Core Faculty for Diversity
University of Iowa
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Company Overview: Center for Disabilities and Development, Iowa’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities
- Center for Disabilities and Development, Iowa’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities
Associate Director
University of Iowa
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Company Overview: Center for Disabilities and Development, Iowa’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
- Center for Disabilities and Development, Iowa’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Sr. Research Associate
University of Missouri-Kansas City
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Company Overview: Institute for Human Development
- Institute for Human Development
Director Office of Multicultural Affairs
Missouri Department of Mental Health
01.1994 - 01.2005
Director of Special Programs
DeLaSalle Education Center
01.1988 - 01.1994
Youth Development Specialist
Spofford Home for Children
01.1985 - 01.1988
Education
Master of Arts - Public Administration
Park University
Kansas City, MO01-2002
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, IA01-1985
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Operations management
- Project management
- Team management
- Creativity and innovation
- Organizational development
- Budget control
- Contract and vendor management
- Charismatic leader
- Partnerships and alliances
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 70 staff members.
- Awarded Distinguished Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion for outstanding service to the University of Iowa
- President of Nation Association for University Center on Developmental Disabilities
- Board of Trustees, William Penn University
- Distinguished Graduate Student Award, Park University
- Inducted into Academic Hall of Fame, Smith-Cotton High School
Timeline
Director
University of Iowa
01.2019 - 01.2025
Core Faculty for Diversity
University of Iowa
01.2019 - 01.2025
Associate Director
University of Iowa
01.2017 - 01.2019
Sr. Research Associate
University of Missouri-Kansas City
01.2005 - 01.2017
Director Office of Multicultural Affairs
Missouri Department of Mental Health
01.1994 - 01.2005
Director of Special Programs
DeLaSalle Education Center
01.1988 - 01.1994
Youth Development Specialist
Spofford Home for Children
01.1985 - 01.1988
Master of Arts - Public Administration
Park University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
William Penn University
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