President and CEO

With 25 years working in health-related fields, Derek brings with him a wealth of leadership experience that spans across international development, R&D, life sciences, non-profit as well as in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.

He joined Orbis from Counterpart International, an INGO that partners with leaders, organizations and social sector networks to build inclusive, sustainable communities. Before his role as Counterpart’s Chief Operating Officer, which he served for the past six years, Derek spent eight years at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.

As a scientist, he began his career at Merck & Co, initially as a chemist, but went on to hold several roles over the next 12 years – including Director, Resource & Research Planning – before moving into a senior management position at Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Cambridge Healthtech Associates Inc.

Derek holds an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Akron.

With his rich expertise in the health space and background leading global teams, Derek will help Orbis continue to push boundaries and transform lives through the treatment and prevention of blindness.