Derrick W. Byrd has served as an advocate for children and families for over 38 years. Derrick has served in various leadership positions in many local, state and national non-profit organizations and governmental agencies. Derrick is highly regarded as an independent African-American leader of change and empowerment. Derrick has been sought to provide consultation, training and facilitation in developing programs and policies impacting children and families throughout the United States.
Derrick spent nearly 20 years at Wake County Human Services managing a comprehensive service delivery system for children and their families receiving child protective services, organizing and directing the work of social work staff, team decision making meeting facilitators, clinical staff and other related human services programs.
Derrick is past president of the Wake County Council of PTAs. Derrick served in various leadership positions in PTA in New York until 1994. Derrick has served on the North Carolina PTA Board of Directors as Health and Welfare Commission Chairman and Vice President for Legislative Activity. Derrick served twice as the Membership Committee Chairperson for the National PTA and served two terms as a member representative on the National PTA Board of Directors as well as the strategic planning, CEO/Executive Director performance review, male involvement, bylaws and resolutions committees. Derrick currently serves as the Chairperson for the National PTA’s Health and Safety Committee.
Derrick has also served as the Secretary for the Covenant with North Carolina’s Children, Chairperson of the Policy Council for the Raleigh, NC based Wake, Chatham, and Orange County Head Start program, Chairman of the Coalition for a Better Education in Mount Vernon, NY, President of the Board of Directors for HopeLine, Inc. and President of the North Carolina Family-Based Services Association. Derrick is also the founding member and currently serves as a Program Director of the Family Resource Center South Atlantic. Derrick served as a member of the Raising Achievement and Closing the Gap Advisory Commission of the State Department of Public Instruction and co-chairperson of the Raising Achievement and Closing the Gap Committee for Wake County Public Schools. Derrick serves as Co- Chairperson for the Raleigh Organizing Against Racism Committee and The Flood Group of Wake County.
Derrick has been featured and quoted in local and national press and publications. He is one of the most highly inspirational and insightful speakers, addressing a variety of topics including family involvement and engagement, fatherhood initiatives, advocacy, racial disparities and disproportionality, child welfare, child mental health and public education reform.
Derrick’s honors include Cambridge’s Who’s Who of Distinguished Individuals, National PTA’s Distinguished Service and Life Member Awards, Connecticut PTA Life Achievement Award, New York State and North Carolina Life Member Awards, Family Resource Center South Atlantic’s 10 years’ service and Fatherhood Conference Trailblazer awards and other local, state and national recognitions.
Derrick has a Master’s in Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Touro College both located in New York, NY.
“I have known and worked closely with Derrick W. Byrd for the past 20 or so years. I have heard him make presentations numerous times. Derrick is always professional in his manner, sensitive to his audience and particular in his preparation. He is a presenter who relates well to a wide range of experiences in an audience and has a sense of humor that enables him to hold the attention of his listeners. He will be effective in any setting.” Dudley E. Flood, Ed.D. Retired Associate State Superintendent, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
"A truly provocative thinker who uses the problems many throw or use as excuses and turns them into roadmaps organizations can use to move forward". Martin Woodard, Way Out Giving Circle
“Mr. Byrd has constantly demonstrated leadership and counseling skills with individuals and audiences of divergent cultures and perspectives. His advice has been of great assistance to many of his peers who have often shared with me the tremendous amount of respect and gratitude for his selfless and straight-forward style. In small and large speaking assignments, his communications skills are persuasive and clear.” Michael Knowles, National Coordinator, W.A.T.C.H.D.O.G.S.
“Derrick W. Byrd epitomizes compassion and commitment demonstrated by the genuine intellectual curiosity that he exhibits over and over -- a curiosity that is often accompanied by excitement or enthusiasm for an idea or current event oftentimes resulting in him taking the leading role in a brilliant performance. He is an insightful individual, creative organizer, respected community leader, strong advocate for children and fathers as well as a man of notable integrity and virtue. From serving on numerous non-profit boards and advisory committees to planning and volunteering for informational fairs and community events, Mr. Byrd’s commitment to the community has significantly impacted the lives of so many. ..” Kim Best Executive Director of the Family Resource Center South Atlantic
“Derrick is a highly knowledgeable and motivational advocate for all children. He has a unique perspective on issues impacting children and families from the well being of children and family engagement to racial disparities and public education reform. He is an engaging speaker who will empower and inspire audiences to rise to the challenge of meeting the needs of the total child. ” Tannis F. Nelson, past president, North Carolina PTA
“Passionate, Focus and Correct on how data is used to support school and community services for children, youth and families. Derrick is comfortable interacting with different population of people and I have found his consultation to be accurate, convincing and easy to follow and understand. He uses current data that supports his feedback that leads you to act and consistently apply what you have learned.” Kenneth D. Perry, Vice President, Methodist Home for Children
“My professional association with Mr. Derrick Byrd has been linked to the National PTA. We began our relationship as fellow board members. His outstanding leadership during that time effectively assisted the board with policy and program development. Additionally, Mr. Byrd recently served as NPTA Membership Chairperson. In this capacity he facilitated national workshops, spoke eloquently on social issues and helped transform the NPTA membership process. Dr. Karen B. Mclean Dade
“Mr. Byrd has personally and organizationally been an exceptional adviser and wealth of resources for the National Parent and Teacher Association. His contributions have made a positive difference in the direction of the organization.” Otha Thorton, 2011-2013 President –Elect, National Parent Teacher Association
