Derek began his marketing career as a Content Writer for Veterans United Home Loans in 2011. Completing his degree in Communication with a split emphasis on Mass & Organizational, he transitioned to kickstarting digital marketing efforts for the branch division at Veterans United through 2016.

In 2017 he moved to the St. Louis area to join the Build-A-Bear Workshop team managing social and content marketing, eventually overseeing all digital efforts including launching Build-A-Bear Radio streaming on iHeart Media before departing in 2020 for an opportunity to help a smaller organization professionalize their marketing efforts after acquiring and integrating a new DTC business.

His wide variety of experience in digital and traditional marketing, client communications, and public relations have set him up well to lead marketing at Plancorp, expanding our ability to connect with and help more families in the years to come.

• Teddy Award for Living The Values, Build-A-Bear Inc.
• Outstanding Senior in Mass Communication, Department of Arts & Sciences at University of Missouri

B.A. Communication (Mass & Organizational), University of Missouri

Minor in Business Administration, University of Missouri

Certificate of Multicultural Studies, University of Missouri