A strategic communications leader with deep experience in academic systems and public policy, Kate Derrick advises healthcare organizations and leaders on communications strategy, reputation management and high-stakes issues.
Derrick joined Jarrard after serving as assistant vice president for communications and advocacy at Complete College America, where she led a national communications strategy to increase college completion rates. Previously, she spent five years at Vanderbilt University as assistant vice chancellor for executive communications and institutional projects. There, she guided communications and strategic initiatives for the chancellor, provost and senior leadership. During her tenure, she directed messaging and engagement for major institutional priorities, including a comprehensive fundraising campaign, the university’s sesquicentennial celebration and Vanderbilt’s hosting of the 2023 Clinton Global Initiative University.
Prior to her time at Vanderbilt, Derrick served as digital media director for Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, leading digital and social media strategy, and held communications roles with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In these roles, she supported statewide initiatives to increase educational attainment, including the Drive to 55 campaign and Tennessee Reconnect. She began her career advising technology startups and social entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley.
Derrick holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wellesley College and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.
Worth Knowing:
- Won a blue ribbon in knitting at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair/li>
- Afraid of butterflies
- Hasn’t missed an episode of PBS NewsHour (or The Real Housewives of Potomac) for more than a decade.
