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Derrick Plummer
Director, Corporate Communications at Intuit
Professional Background
Derrick Plummer is a seasoned strategic communicator with an impressive career spanning more than 17 years. He specializes in various aspects of communication, including public affairs, crisis management, political communications, stakeholder engagement, multicultural outreach, and media relations. Derrick's expertise in these areas has empowered him to lead high-profile communication initiatives for multinational corporations, effectively driving brand success and ensuring that clients achieve their business objectives.
Currently serving as the Director at Intuit, Derrick manages a diverse range of insights-driven, brand-building communication programs. His role involves developing and executing comprehensive strategies designed to enhance client visibility and engagement in a competitive marketplace. Derrick's unique ability to marry strategic insight with creative execution has made him an invaluable asset in any organization he joins.
Career Advancement
Before his tenure at Intuit, Derrick accumulated a wealth of experience working in notable leadership positions at several prestigious agencies, including SKDK, where he served as Senior Vice President, Purple Strategies as Senior Director, and Edelman as Vice President. His extensive client portfolio features leading brands such as Delta, Nissan, Krispy Kreme, Under Armour, Arby’s, Barilla, Universal Health Services, Boston Consulting Group, and MailChimp. In these roles, he provided not only strategic counsel but also robust communications support tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each client.
Derrick's prior experience also includes serving as the Assistant Communications Director for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union International (UFCW). In this influential position, he lent strategic insight concerning significant labor disputes affecting the retail sector, showcasing his ability to navigate complex political landscapes and advocate effectively on behalf of stakeholders.
His political acumen was further honed during a pivotal role as Press Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during the first term of the Obama Administration. Under his direction, the agency's press and media outreach flourished, most notably overseeing communications related to the historic $25 billion mortgage servicing settlement. Derrick's efforts significantly contributed to public understanding and engagement surrounding crucial government initiatives.
Education and Achievements
Academic Background
Derrick holds an impressive educational foundation with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He later pursued further academic excellence by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Howard University. His educational background has provided him with a robust understanding of political dynamics, business principles, and strategic communications, all of which are integral to his professional success.
Notable Recognitions
Derrick's outstanding contributions to the field of public relations have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, he earned a prestigious spot on PRWeek's 40 Under 40 list, recognizing him as one of the leading professionals in the industry under the age of 40. This accolade highlights his commitment to excellence in strategic communications and his impact on the organizations he has been a part of. His ability to engage with diverse audiences and create tailored communication strategies makes him a thought leader in the realm of public relations.
Achievements
Derrick's exemplary work in the field of communications is backed by a variety of roles that demonstrate his commitment to public service and community engagement. His involvement as a communications director for Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI) and as a regional press secretary for the Democratic National Committee during the Kerry/Edwards 2004 presidential campaign further emphasizes his integral role in shaping public narratives and guiding political communications.
Additionally, Derrick has contributed his expertise to several advisory boards, including his previous position as a CMO Advisory Board Member at the Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of America and as a member of the Advisory Board at the National Global Center for Engagement. These roles reflect his dedication not only to corporate communication but also to community development and youth engagement initiatives.
Derrick's career is a testament to his strategic foresight, communication skills, and unwavering dedication to helping organizations effectively convey their messages. Through his multifaceted experience and commitment to excellence, Derrick Plummer continues to inspire those around him and set benchmarks in the field of strategic communications.