Derick Harris, Executive Director
The Black Education Strategy Roundtable (BESR) Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Derick Harris as Executive Director, effective Wednesday, July 10th.
The Board’s action comes with the fullest confidence that Derick will continue to be an excellent steward of BESR’s mission and a leader and advocate in Washington State for Black/African-American students while improving outcomes for all students.
Nearing the completion of his Ph.D. in education at Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, Derick comes to BESR with an earned master’s degree, from Princeton Seminary, Princeton, NJ, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Northwest University, Kirkland, WA, and an Associate of Arts (A.A.) Philosophy, Highline College, Des Moines, WA. He excels at developing policies and procedures, hiring and training teams, administering more than $1M budgets, and building exceptional relationships with community groups, non-profits, business groups, and individuals.
With a proven history of increasing funding, maximizing community and partner engagement, and building long-term, collaborative relationships, Derick has successfully created, directed, and sustained programs in various venues including community-based groups, statewide organizations, and higher education. His work has contributed to increasing graduation rates for students.
The Board believes Derick is the right person to pursue BESR’s policy agenda in the State. Please join us along with the whole BESR team in saying, “Congratulations and welcome!”
Best regards,
Board of Directors and Staff