Dr. Derik Timmerman joined Valtas as Managing Partner in early 2025. He is a purpose-driven transformational leader dedicated to helping talented professionals and cause-driven organizations excel. His diverse background encompasses military service, consulting, and nonprofit leadership, making him a uniquely qualified expert in organizational development and strategic growth.
Prior to Valtas, Derik was the Founder and Managing Partner of Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions, a nationwide consulting firm helping leaders of social sector organizations maximize their world-changing impact.
In addition to coaching nonprofit professionals at all levels, Derik has been a nationally recognized speaker and author on various nonprofit subjects, including fundraising, operational excellence, grant research and writing, and board development. In 2021, he published The 40 Laws of Nonprofit Impact. Derik’s previous roles included serving as a senior management consultant at McKinsey & Company and a U.S. Army Intelligence Officer with two combat deployments to Iraq. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, as well as a Master of Divinity, a Ph.D. in Philosophy, and a CFRE certification in fundraising.
Key Highlights of Derik's Career:
Military Service: A West Point graduate, Derik served as a US Army Intelligence Officer with two combat deployments to Iraq. From this experience, he gained discipline, strategic thinking, and leadership skills crucial for navigating complex challenges.
Management Consulting: He honed his skills as a global management consultant at McKinsey & Company, gaining expertise in business process optimization, strategic planning, and performance improvement.
Nonprofit Leadership: Derik founded and leads Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions, a nationwide consulting firm assisting nonprofits in maximizing their impact. He is a nationally recognized speaker and author on various nonprofit topics, including staff recruitment, performance enhancement, and board development. His book, The 40 Laws of Nonprofit Impact, showcases his deep understanding of the sector.
Valtas Role: Derik recently joined Valtas as a managing partner, responsible for the organization's strategic direction. He will work closely with Kevin Briscoe, Managing Partner at CFO Selections, to guide leadership transitions for social enterprises.
Education and Certifications:
Bachelor's in Computer Science, United States Military Academy at West Point
Master of Divinity, Liberty University
PhD in Philosophy, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
CFRE Certification in Fundraising
Personal Interests:
Beyond his professional achievements, Derik has a passion for chocolate chip cookies, burning them off on Colorado’s hiking trails with his three boys and living out his life's core purpose of building factories of hope.
In summary, Derik Timmerman's background and experience equip him to provide invaluable guidance to nonprofits and social enterprises seeking to achieve their full potential. His combination of military discipline, business acumen, and passion for nonprofit work makes him a compelling leader in the field.