"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
What’s your role in the firm, and how do you make a difference?
As the Search and Staffing Practice Leader, I oversee a team that specializes in the placement of accounting and finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis – from entry level accounting staff to CFOs – across a broad range of industries.
Who is/was the biggest influence in your business life and how did s/he shape who you’ve become?
I have always admired the way Brenda Heard, Chief Operating Officer at TBG Financial (a Prudential Financial Company), could inspire, motivate and uplift others. For this reason and so many more, Brenda has been instrumental in shaping me professionally.
What makes you get up in the morning, and how does it impact your work style?
My daughter, Hailey! I want her to see my daily routine – work ethic, drive, passion and my positive mindset. I am a teaching style manager, who enjoys building, motivating, developing and creating value for clients, candidates and our team.
What is your proudest professional moment, and why?
Watching my team members grow, develop and become recognized for their individual contributions. As the practice leader, I am ultimately responsible for their success. To have them recognized on a national basis with 40 CFS offices makes me very proud!
What is your favorite quote that best describes your professional philosophy?
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
Derrick Coleman is GHJ’s Search and Staffing Practice Leader, who oversees a team of search and staffing experts that specialize in placing accounting and finance professionals. Derrick has more than 20 years of business and recruiting experience and currently works with leading organizations throughout the country to find and place top talent.
Derrick and the recruiting practice collaborate with clients across a range of industries to place temporary and permanent positions. As the Practice Leader, Derrick is responsible for developing new business and supporting his team with existing clients.
Derrick is known for his ability to effectively communicate client needs on behalf of stakeholders and recommend creative staffing solutions. He is dedicated to customer service, building longstanding relationships and establishing effective business partnerships.
Derrick serves as Catalyst for GHJ Foundation’s board of directors, is a member of GHJ’s DEIA Steering Committee and is the Sponsor for GHJ’s BIPOC Cohort. He is also a finance committee member for the Downtown Women’s Center of Los Angeles and a strategic advisor to and board member of Godiss Love, a nonprofit organization with a mission to create lasting solutions for girls through empowerment and education.
In 2022, Derrick was featured as a visionary honoree in the LA Times’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Magazine for the Company Executive category.
Derrick’s personal interests include family, cooking and travel.
Areas of Expertise
Fun Facts
Favorite place in the world:
USA
Favorite music/band/singer:
90s music
Favorite movie or book of all time:
The Purpose Driven Life – Rick Warren
One word that best describes me:
Motivator
When I’m not working, you’ll catch me doing this:
Cooking, golfing, and spending time with my wife and daughter – making them laugh.
