With over 20 years of experience in health promotion, wellness, leadership, and organizational effectiveness, Derek leads the Well-being and Joy of Practice initiatives for the Nursing Center of Excellence at Ascension. Derek aims to develop a stronger culture of joy and well-being for nurses through promoting holistic growth, discovering purpose, enhancing connections, practicing safely, living healthfully, and amplifying the voice of the nurse; realizing our mission to make Ascension the best place to practice nursing. Derek obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Knox College, and his Master’s from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. He is a Certified Wellness Practitioner and a leading wellness expert sharing his vision of well-being for many health and wellness organizations and publications. Derek also teaches “Well-being and Organizational Culture,” in the MBA program at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point.