Derek Leeds

Hello, I’m

Derek Leeds

Project Manager · Leader · Solutions Architect

With over 20 years of leadership experience, I excel in strategic analysis, operations, project, and change management. Skilled in fostering high-performance teams and achieving operational excellence through process refinement. My success hinges on prioritizing people, metrics, process, and continuous improvement. Proficient in setting ambitious goals, providing constructive feedback, identifying opportunities, and engaging stakeholders at all levels to drive impactful results.

Overland Park, Kansascontact@derekleeds.com
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Civilian career

Work experience

Project, product, operations, and digital leadership across organizations and industries.

2024 - Present

Project Manager

Go Local Interactive

  • Manage the scope and objective of all web projects from conception to launch, involving relevant stakeholders, subject-matter experts, and resources, examining and recommending changes to current practices, and developing and writing proposals or contracts.
  • Establish and communicate tasks, milestone dates, status, and resource allocation to meet deliverables on time and within budget.
  • Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify obstacles, and report and escalate to leadership as needed.
2013 - Present

Web Developer

Leeds Web Services

  • Translate client goals into websites and digital solutions for three recurring clients across eight sites.
  • Apply and validate search engine optimization practices across a portfolio averaging 30,000 monthly visitors.
2018 - 2023

Operations Manager

Thrutchley, Inc.

  • Managed monthly financials, prepared semi-monthly payroll, and supported sales systems.
  • Developed client-facing and internal websites, implemented systems, and automated processes to support growing business operations.
  • Prepared forecasts and budgets for monthly and annual reporting.
  • Worked across operations, finance, marketing, and customer service, gaining a broad understanding of business operations.
2014 - 2017

Product Manager

EiKO Global, LLC

  • Conducted product life-cycle management for a portfolio of over 300 automotive lighting products.
  • Introduced 30 new LED lighting products to the B2B and B2C automotive marketplace.
  • Analyzed marketplace and competitive position and pricing, contributing to lower warehousing requirements and a more focused and competitive product offering.
2012 - 2014

Marketing Coordinator

EiKO Global, LLC

  • Documented and refined departmental processes to ensure quality control and efficiency.
  • Coordinated marketing efforts across direct mail, web, video, and print media.
  • Built and deployed marketing websites using multiple content management systems.
2011 - 2012

Project Manager

Drive Digital Media

  • Managed eight corporate websites through third-party content management systems.
  • Supported executive and sales staff with regular and periodic reporting and analytics.
  • Executed project management and product development from conception through implementation.

Service

Military experience

Progressive leadership and operational assignments in the Kansas Army National Guard and U.S. Army Central Command.

Dec 2003 - Present

Career overview

Kansas Army National Guard

  • Progressed from frontline team leadership to executive responsibility for a 235-person organization over more than two decades. Built experience in emergency response, workforce training, operational planning, process improvement, and coordination with domestic and international partners.
  • Led small teams, multi-team operations, and cross-functional planning groups. Early roles called for hands-on supervision and clear assignments. Later roles required setting priorities, defining results, and giving managers and team leaders the authority to determine how the work would be completed.
  • Created a workplace where people were expected and supported to grow. Mentored supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders; designed and led leadership development sessions; and used training and performance feedback to prepare people for greater responsibility.
Jun 2024 - Jun 2026

Battalion Commander

Kansas Army National Guard

Lieutenant Colonel rank insignia
  • Led a 235-person organization with a headquarters staff and three subordinate units prepared for worldwide deployment.
  • Set the organization's strategy and direction and provided guidance to senior leaders and staff.
  • Oversaw senior leaders and an executive staff responsible for missions, training, readiness, and deployment preparation.
2022 - 2024

Brigade Executive Officer

Brigade Operations Officer

Kansas Army National Guard

Lieutenant Colonel rank insignia
2021

Military Exercise Planner and Training Lead

U.S. Army Central Command · Task Force Redleg

Major rank insignia
  • Led a cross-functional team of managers to improve operational efficiency and streamline processes.
  • Planned and guided cooperative training exercises with the U.S. military and Jordanian Armed Forces from concept through execution.
  • Directed translation and communication support for coordination with international partners.
  • Managed a portfolio of six training initiatives across three countries with three direct reports.
2018 - 2020

Battalion Operations Officer

Kansas Army National Guard

Major rank insignia
2017 - 2018

Division Training Officer

U.S. Army Central Command · Task Force Spartan

Major rank insignia
  • Took over the division training role three months into the Task Force Spartan deployment and improved readiness management and tracking across five subordinate brigades.
  • Developed systems to track training, sustainment, and personnel readiness, giving division leaders a broader view of organizational preparedness.
  • Published comprehensive training guidance and advised subordinate commands, contributing to increased readiness in a deployed environment.
2010 - 2017

Division Fire Support Officer

Brigade Assistant Operations Officer

Battalion Assistant Operations Officer

Battery Commander

Battalion Logistics Officer

Kansas Army National Guard

Captain rank insignia
2009 - 2010

Company Executive Officer

U.S. Army Central Command · Multinational Force & Observers

First Lieutenant rank insignia
2008 - 2009

Battery Operations Officer

Kansas Army National Guard

First Lieutenant rank insignia
2006 - 2008

Platoon Leader

Kansas Army National Guard

Second Lieutenant rank insignia

Community

Volunteer experience

Learning

Education

Recommendations

What colleagues say

“I've had the chance to work side-by-side with Derek and was always the go to guy for information and training. Derek could handle multiple positions with ease- whether it being, Technical, Networking, System Configurations etc. Derek easily had his hand in everything regarding the company and was very resourceful.”
Philip RansburgPhilip RansburgFront End Web Developer · AMC Theatres & Go Local Interactive
“Derek Leeds has been a tremendous help with our website, newsletter, and all digital promotions. I would highly recommend if you need a top notch web developer and specialist with the website to hire Derek! He has met all the challenges and has made our website run smoothly.”
John RiesterJohn RiesterPublisher and Owner · retrofit magazine
“Derek is a gifted, detail oriented project manager with a strong aptitude for technology. His ability to drive multiple initiatives and the skilled manner with which he communicates complex tasks through easy to follow diagrams make him an indispensable part of the Drive team.”
Jasper MullarneyJasper MullarneyFounder · Adrevio