Who I am

By day, I’m a Ragan Award-winning communications leader who helps organizations build trust at scale. I ensure what employees hear, what media report, and what the market believes are consistent, credible, and validated. In today’s AI-driven, zero-click, GEO world, that alignment forms reputations.

I've led integrated communications at SaaS technology and global IT consulting companies, building teams, earning trust, and turning external communications, internal communications, and employer brand into measurable business assets. I bring the instincts of a journalist, the discipline of a strategist, and the conviction of a memorable storyteller.

I’ve been promoted at every company I’ve joined because of my expanding scope, influence, and impact.

By night, I write what moves me and chase the occasional acting opportunity. The best communicators are storytellers first, and that instinct shows up in my work, from my personal writing — as a contributor to HuffPost, Thrive Global, and Queerty — to the narratives I help leaders and organizations shape.

My resume
Headshot of smiling man with short brown hair, beard, and blue eyes, wearing a black shirt and gray undershirt against a gray background. This is Derek Herman, a communications executive, specializing in aligning internal and external communications.

In the field

Communications Business Advisor with Tara McDonagh interviews Natalie Papaj, VP of Communications at Wells Fargo. Derek's question on how communications pros can demonstrate value was featured in this episode.

Ragan Communications recognized the Communications Team under Derek’s leadership as the Employee Communications Team of the Year for 2026.

PR Daily and Ragan Communications publication logo. Derek Herman was quoted with his PR thought leadership in an article.

PR Daily is the preeminent brand for public relations professionals, delivering news, advice, opinions, and benchmarking. Derek’s PR thought leadership has been quoted in recent articles.

Penn State's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications featured Derek as an alumni making an impact in the communications field.

A man smiling seated at a press conference podium with a backdrop featuring the Philadelphia Eagles logo and Ricoh branding at Lincoln Financial Field. This is Derek Herman, a communications executive, specializing internal and external communication
A package titled 'Communications and PR Leader' featuring a man, Derek Herman, with a cap, two dog heads, a black cap, a megaphone, a Nintendo Switch, comedy and tragedy masks, and a notepad with a pen, with the subtitle 'A Die-Hard Comms Badass'.
Four smiling people taking a selfie outdoors in winter with snow and trees in the background. This is Derek Herman, communications executive, and his team whose skills span internal communications, PR, and employer branding.
Screenshot of a virtual meeting with two participants, a woman with headphones speaking into a microphone and a smiling man with headphones holding a phone, with logos and text indicating 'Ally in the Room' and the man's name, Derek Herman.

  • "Any organization seeking a communications leader with strategic insight, exceptional judgment, and a strong track record of results would be well served by Derek's expertise."

    —Tammy Harper, CHRO

  • “Derek consistently demonstrated strong leadership, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of organizational communications. Whether navigating high‑visibility initiatives, aligning stakeholders, or elevating CAI’s voice across channels, he approached every challenge with thoughtfulness, clarity, and professionalism.”

    —Erick Boyette, HR Director

  • "I was consistently impressed by Derek's 'can-do' attitude and ability to forge invaluable ties with reporters, industry analysts and influencers, and leadership inside and outside of the company. Skills that take decades to hone for many just come naturally to him."

    —Jennifer Thomas, Director, Content Marketing

  • "Derek has a rare ability to connect business objectives to clear, compelling narratives while ensuring communications aren't just well-written, but also deeply aligned to organizational priorities."

    —Hannah Antonelli, Communications & Employer Branding Executive

  • "He was passionate about his role, the company, and helping the team in any way he could, always going above and beyond to get the job done. This all lead to his transition into his well-deserved role as Head of Communications."

    —Jill McCoach, Graphic Designer

  • "Derek’s verse skillset of writing eBooks and blogs to managing press relations, customer marketing and more was an integral part of the marketing team’s success."

    —Steven McAnany, VP, Growth Marketing

What I do

Increase demand by improving trust through communications strategies and high-performing teams for enterprise IT consulting firms and high-growth SaaS environments

Strategic impact

  • Built integrated communications for over 9,000 employees globally

  • Increased earned media coverage by 538%

  • Established and executed PR strategy for Series B and C funding

  • Won over 50 employer and product industry awards

  • Increased internal communications engagement with 150% increase in CTR

  • Led integrated internal and external narrative strategy

  • Mitigated reputational risk with organization-wide crisis communications plan

  • Ragan Award winner for Employee Communications Team of the Year in 2026

  • Contributing writer for HuffPost, Thrive Global, and Queerty

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Reach out

If you're looking for a communications leader who builds trust at scale, let's talk.