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Derrick Horsley, M.A.
Founder & CEO, The Horsley Group, LLC
Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Derrick Horsley is a decorated U.S. Army veteran with over 25 years of distinguished service, including his role as the Human Resources Chief Warrant Officer for the 902nd Military Intelligence Group at Fort Meade, MD. During his tenure, he led HR professionals in high-security intelligence operations, developed and implemented key personnel policies, and played a major role in the successful drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment from Iraq. His leadership excellence earned him multiple Meritorious Service and Army Commendation Medals.
In 2016, Horsley founded The Horsley Group, LLC, a Certified Service-Disabled Veteran- and Minority-Owned Small Business specializing in Organizational Leadership, Business Process Improvement, Coaching, Strategic Planning, and Professional Development. Through his firm, he helps both government and private sector organizations strengthen teams, improve performance, and achieve measurable success.
A John Maxwell Certified Coach, Speaker, and Teacher, Horsley is also an Adjunct Professor at West Georgia Technical College, teaching business, human resources, and leadership. He holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management from the American Public University System, where he serves as a University Ambassador.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Derrick is the author of the inspiring biography From Humble Beginnings: The Derrick L. Horsley Story—a powerful true story of perseverance, sacrifice, and redemption. Raised in the Mississippi Delta, Horsley shares how faith, hard work, and integrity carried him from poverty to purpose. His journey, from enlisting in the Army to overcoming personal and professional trials, now fuels his mission to help others rise through adversity.
Dedicated to giving back, he mentors youth through the Boys & Girls Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters, and leads initiatives for veterans and young men seeking direction. Guided by his belief that leadership is service, Derrick continues to empower individuals and organizations to lead with vision, courage, and heart.
Derrick is married to Jessica Kidd, they have two children—Nicholas and Natasha—and three beloved grandchildren: Tyarie Echols, Kia Brown, and Tavoris Brown Jr.
Derrick is a life member of one of the most distinguished and prestigious organization in the World, The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
My Story
Derrick Horsley was born in Rosedale, Mississippi—one of the most economically challenged cities in Bolivar County, located in the poorest state in the United States. Despite growing up in such conditions, he remained determined to rise above his circumstances and build a life of service, leadership, and impact.
After graduating from high school, Derrick enlisted in the United States Army. Over the course of a distinguished 25+ year career on active duty, he rose through the ranks to retire as an Army Officer. He deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn, directly supporting U.S. Warfighters in critical theaters of conflict.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Derrick’s military service was his work in education and training. He served as an Instructor, Senior Instructor, Writer/Developer, and Course Director, specializing in Human Resources Specialist training. In this role, he successfully trained and mentored over 1,000 Soldiers, maintaining an exceptional 1% attrition rate.
Derrick’s dedication to education extended beyond the military. He served as an Adjunct Professor at both Central Texas College and West Georgia Technical College, where he taught courses in Business, Human Resources Management, and Leadership.
He holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management. He is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Strategic Leadership.
Derrick is a Certified Member of the John Maxwell Leadership Team. His extensive credentials also include serving as a former Acting Inspector General, Master Project Manager, Master Fitness Instructor, and Quality Assurance Officer. Among his many accomplishments, he successfully completed the highly rigorous United States Army Sergeants Major Academy - Battle Staff Course, one of the most challenging programs in the Army.
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