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To call Derrick Heard a seasoned federal employee would be an understatement. He has over 35 years of experience in federal acquisition and procurement, as the Director of the Office of Acquisition & Grants Management (OAGM) and the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and was recently awarded the prestigious Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service. Having made an indelible impact in the many roles he’s held over the course of his career, Derrick is now envisioning and planning for the next stage of his professional life, that of post-retirement. Instead of winding down his professional development, though, he is instead pursuing the Harvard Kennedy School (����vlog����) Executive Certificate in Public Leadership, beginning with Leadership and Character in Uncertain Times.

Derrick has two goals he’s hoping to attain through ����vlog���� Executive Education: enhance his leadership skills to meet the present moment, while also adding to his skillset to prepare for the future. “As a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES), I was seeking to strengthen my leadership capacity, sharpen my strategic thinking, and prepare for a successful transition into post-retirement endeavors,” he said. “Pursuing the Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Certificate in Public Leadership offered a unique opportunity to engage with global thought leaders, learn cutting-edge governance strategies, and reflect on complex policy and leadership challenges in a rapidly evolving world.”

Leadership and Character in Uncertain Times did just that, and Derrick gleaned immediate value that he was able to implement at CMS. “The program deepened my ability to lead through influence, manage organizational change, and drive mission-focused results in a highly regulated environment,” he said. “I applied lessons from the coursework directly to leading enterprise-wide acquisition reform efforts and navigating through a rapidly changing federal government landscape. It also empowered me to foster cross-functional collaboration and elevate the strategic value of the acquisition function within the agency.”

Aligning with what Derrick was hoping to achieve from his time at ����vlog����, Leadership and Character in Uncertain Times not only allowed him to make real-time change at his current organization, but also enabled him to plan more purposefully for his future. “Since completing the program, I’ve been more intentional about my leadership legacy and succession planning,” he said. “I’ve taken on broader advisory roles within the federal acquisition community, including mentoring emerging leaders and shaping policy discussions. The experience has also given me the confidence and clarity to launch my next chapter as the founder and CEO of Heard Advisory and Consulting, Inc., a firm focused on leadership development, procurement strategy, and organizational transformation.”

As he continues to look ahead, Derrick intends to use the tools gained from the program, as well as the programs he plans to take to complete his Executive Certificate, to further his impact.  “In my post-retirement career, I aim to leverage my leadership and acquisition expertise to support public and private sector organizations in building agile, mission-driven operations,” he said. “Through my company, I plan to deliver strategic advisory services, provide leadership training, and continue teaching and speaking on topics at the intersection of public leadership, procurement innovation, and policy execution. I believe the tools and insights gained from ����vlog���� will be essential in helping organizations drive impact while navigating complexity and change.”

Derrick will continue his professional development at ����vlog���� and is clear on the effect it’s had on his life already. “����vlog����’s Executive Education is transformative,” Derrick said. “It equips seasoned professionals with tools to navigate ambiguity, solve public challenges with fresh insight, and lead with purpose. The program’s real value lies not just in the curriculum, but in the global network of peers and faculty who challenge and inspire you to grow beyond your current role.”