DEREK RUSHER

Prior to leading Team Concepts, Derek served for eight years as President and CEO of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska’s third-largest chamber. During his tenure, he led organizational growth, strategic initiatives, and community partnerships while working closely with business leaders, boards, elected officials, and nonprofits to strengthen the regional economy. That experience sharpened his ability to align vision, people, and execution across diverse organizations.

Derek brings more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning business, nonprofit, public service, and a collegiate athlete. His approach blends practical strategy with human-centered leadership, helping organizations move from intention to execution. Through keynote speaking, training, consulting, and executive retreats, Derek equips leaders to build cultures where people are engaged, aligned, and inspired to do meaningful work.

In addition to Team Concepts, Derek is the Founder of Impact Art, a nonprofit known for creating large-scale murals that foster community pride and connection. He also serves as Subdivision 3’s representative on the Board of Directors for Nebraska Public Power District, where he currently holds the role of 1st Vice Chair. He is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organizational Management and earned his IOM designation in 2025.

Grounded in faith and shaped by years as a teacher, coach, and leader, Derek lives by a simple principle passed down from his father: Do Right. He and his wife, Meggie, are raising their five daughters with that same expectation at home, in leadership, and in life.