Derrick Gilbert’s path from student-athlete to IT executive illustrates a career built on resilience and adaptability. Raised in Ridgeland, Mississippi, he excelled both academically and athletically, ranking among the top students at Madison-Ridgeland High School and shining as an all-star shortstop. At Jackson State University, he continued his dual commitment to sports and academics by playing Division I baseball, earning a Certificate of Academic Achievement among Athletes, and graduating Cum Laude with a degree in computer science.
After graduation, Derrick joined IBM Federal Systems, but a corporate acquisition soon redirected his career. He moved forward, pursuing a master’s degree in computer science at Monmouth University, specializing in computer networking. Simultaneously, he gained experience at The MITRE Corporation and Lucent Technologies, a key telecommunications player.
Eager to expand his impact, Derrick founded Gil Technology Group (GTG), offering IT strategy and consulting services to various industries. Alongside this entrepreneurial venture, he enhanced his leadership skills by earning an Executive MBA from Saint Joseph’s University, which positioned him for a pivotal role as Head of IT Management at American Baptist Home Mission Societies, a national nonprofit.
Today, Derrick leads the IT department at Horizon House Inc., a health and human services nonprofit. His 25+ years of experience span IT management, service delivery, and technology consulting, establishing him as a leader focused on driving meaningful change through both his technology leadership roles and his work at GTG.
From Fatherhood to Founder: The Birth of Gil Technology Group
Derrick Gilbert didn’t set out to start Gil Technology Group (GTG) with typical business ambitions. Instead, the idea took shape during a pivotal time in his life. In the fall of 2006, Derrick and his wife welcomed twin daughters born prematurely at just 23 weeks. While one twin tragically did not survive, the other fought for life in the NICU at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for six months.
At the time, Derrick worked as a full-time consultant at BCT Partners, a major management and technology consulting firm. The demands of work and family soon collided. Realizing his daughter would need ongoing care long after leaving the hospital, he made a critical decision: he stepped away from his corporate role to focus on family.
This decision marked a turning point. In 2007, Derrick founded Gil Technology Group as a “Dadpreneur.” Launching GTG was more than a necessity—it aligned with his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to create a flexible business model. GTG enabled him to balance his responsibilities at home with his expertise in technology consulting.
In 2021, Derrick formalized GTG as an LLC and began addressing a problem he observed across the industry: many small and mid-sized businesses, as well as nonprofits, lacked dedicated IT leadership. Without strategic guidance, these organizations often relied on technology vendors who didn’t always act in their best interests. GTG stepped in to fill that gap, providing tailored IT planning and consulting services. Through GTG, Derrick built more than a business; he created a solution for organizations seeking reliable technology guidance while supporting his family’s unique needs.
Client-Centered Approach to Technology Planning
GTG specializes in strategic technology planning, governance, and management. The company focuses on delivering tailored IT planning services for nonprofits and small businesses. Its team provides expertise on-demand, ensuring clients receive the right solutions without unnecessary overhead.
GTG’s approach centers on aligning technology strategies with the unique needs of each organization, allowing them to concentrate on their mission while technology supports their operations seamlessly. Instead of adding personnel or expecting existing staff to manage complex IT issues, GTG steps in to address technology challenges as they arise, providing guidance and leadership exactly when needed.
This flexible support model enhances efficiency, controls costs, and improves overall business performance. Organizations rely on GTG not just for technical solutions but for strategic insight that drives long-term value. Through its client-centered approach, GTG has become a trusted partner for organizations seeking to optimize their IT operations and maximize their technology investments.
Driving IT Excellence and Innovation at Horizon House
In addition to his role at GTG, Derrick serves as the Director of IT at Horizon House, Inc. He shapes the organization’s technology landscape through various responsibilities. He manages the IT infrastructure, oversees network operations, and implements tech solutions that align with the organization’s mission and operational goals. As he leads the IT operations and Help Desk teams, Derrick supports over 800 employees across Pennsylvania and Delaware. He ensures systems operate effectively, maintains data security, and addresses technical issues promptly.
Derrick works closely with senior executives and department leaders to ensure technology enhances the organization’s business and service operations. His role demands a careful mix of strategic planning, technical knowledge, and leadership. Derrick explains, “My role requires navigating the complexities of IT management in a nonprofit setting, where resource constraints and cybersecurity threats pose ongoing challenges.”
In his position, Derrick also faces challenges unique to the nonprofit sector. From managing budget limitations while striving for cutting-edge technology to addressing the constant evolution of cybersecurity threats, his job demands both proactive and adaptive strategies. Additionally, he leads efforts in change management, ensuring new technologies are smoothly integrated, and works on rebuilding a customer-centric, high-performance, and more effective IT department.
Overcoming Barriers and Building a Strong IT Career
Throughout his career, Derrick Gilbert has navigated challenges familiar to many Black professionals in IT. Early in his journey, he noticed the lack of representation in leadership roles, which led to feelings of isolation. He sought mentors both within and outside his organization, joining professional communities that valued diversity. These connections provided the support he needed to advance in his career. Derrick notes that many professional organizations offer networks and resources for young professionals of color, helping them feel valued and supported.
Derrick also faced unconscious bias and stereotypes that influenced his growth opportunities. To address these barriers, he advocated for himself, pursued continuous learning, and aligned with inclusive leaders who valued his contributions. His focus on delivering strong results helped him overcome obstacles in his path.
One of Derrick’s biggest setbacks occurred when IBM Federal Systems laid him off due to an acquisition. He quickly adjusted, taking on a Software Engineer role at The MITRE Corporation. Moving to a new state and entering a predominantly white, research-focused environment posed its own challenges. However, Derrick remained focused on skill development and expanded his network by attending industry conferences to stay on top of IT trends.
Driving Representation and Leadership in IT
Derrick views the representation of people of color in IT as a critical issue with a significant impact on the industry. He acknowledges the ongoing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) movement as crucial, recognizing that increased diversity often reflects the resilience and contributions of people of color in tech.
He highlights the unique perspectives that Black leaders bring to the field. Their determination and deep empathy enhance leadership, particularly during challenging times. He cites former President Barack Obama as an example of how multi-racial backgrounds and empathetic leadership can navigate complex societal issues effectively.
Moreover, Derrick emphasizes the importance of Black leaders serving as role models for younger generations. They demonstrate that success in IT is attainable and challenge stereotypes about who belongs in the tech industry. Derrick points to organizations like the National Black MBA Association and the National Society of Black Engineers as vital platforms that support and develop Black leaders. These organizations work to dismantle barriers and inspire more individuals of color to pursue careers in technology.
Innovating IT Operations for Lasting Impact
At Horizon House, Inc., Derrick has led several key IT initiatives to transform the IT department into a customer-centric, high-performance entity. He spearheaded major technology deployments that significantly enhanced the organization’s IT computing, networking, communicating, and collaboratinginfrastructure. These projects included upgrading computing and networking systems across over 65 remote sites and implementing Voice over IP (VoIP) telecommunications for more than 95 administrative and residential service locations. Derrick also oversaw the agency-wide upgrade and replacement of end-of-life computers, which improved IT computing, security, and communication capabilities.
Derrick emphasizes collaboration among staff at all levels and technology partners. This focus has improved perceptions of the IT team and increased customer satisfaction. He notably led the deployment of over 300 laptops and 450 mobile phones within 18 months, equipping the agency’s mobile case management workforce with reliable computing solutions that greatly enhanced their productivity.
Building a High-Impact IT Team
Derrick leads the IT team at Horizon House with a strategic focus on alignment, growth, and collaboration. His leadership ensures that the IT department’s goals directly support the organization’s broader mission. Through a detailed IT roadmap, Derrick sets clear objectives that improve operational efficiency and enhance security across the organization.
Derrick prioritizes building a skilled team with both technical expertise and strong problem-solving abilities. He supports continuous training and development, fostering an environment where team members can grow and share knowledge. He encourages his team to attend conferences, obtain certifications, and participate in knowledge-sharing sessions, keeping them engaged with the latest advancements in technology.
Derrick also champions cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring that IT works closely with other departments to understand challenges and provide technology-driven solutions. Regular meetings with other department leaders ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.
Balancing Work, Growth, and Personal Well-Being
Derrick understands that achieving a perfect work-life balance is often unrealistic, yet he remains committed to pursuing it. He sets clear boundaries and manages his time effectively, prioritizing his needs. Embracing a growth mindset, he believes that victories often emerge from adversity. This perspective motivates him to maintain healthy habits that support his overall well-being.
Beyond professional commitments, Derrick engages in hobbies that help him relax and stay grounded. He keeps up with the latest IT innovations and reads literature focused on technology and personal development. Music, especially gospel, R&B, and contemporary jazz, offers a soothing escape after long days while watching business and social reality TV helps him unwind. Balancing these activities allows Derrick to enhance his productivity at work while enjoying life beyond the office.
Derrick’s Message for Aspiring Leaders
Derrick Gilbert shares an encouraging message for aspiring leaders, emphasizing the unique qualifications of Black leaders in today’s society. He notes, “Black leaders today are uniquely qualified to lead and make a difference in society because they are accustomed to not only overcoming tremendous adversity but also living and thriving through it.” Drawing from his life experiences, he believes that challenges often shape strong leaders.
He reflects on the words of a favorite gospel recording artist: “In this life, you will have trouble. You can’t avoid it. You can’t get around it. But you can live through it.” Derrick combines this perspective with his education and competitive sports experience, illustrating how challenges can lead to growth. He recalls his time playing Division I baseball at Jackson State University, where he faced adversity as a recruited shortstop.
Initially promised a legitimate opportunity to start as a freshman, Derrick found himself primarily in a backup role. “After a tough doubleheader loss during my sophomore year, my coach promised to field the best defensive team for the next game,” he remembers. Excited for his chance, Derrick felt disappointed when his name did not appear in the lineup. This moment forced him to confront adversity head-on. Despite this setback, he improved each year and eventually earned a starting position, receiving awards for his contributions to the team.
Derrick’s message to aspiring leaders is clear: everyone faces challenges at some point. “It is how we respond to these challenges that define us and impact our future,” he states. He identifies key attributes for thriving through adversity, including resilience, optimism, perseverance, adaptability, and purpose. He suggests practical strategies for overcoming challenges, such as setting clear goals, building a support network, practicing self-care, developing emotional intelligence, and focusing on what one can control.
Quotes
“In this life you will have trouble. You can’t avoid it. You can’t get around it. But you can live through it.”
“Winning against the odds by living through adversity is not just about overcoming or surviving but thriving despite them.”
Also Read: The 10 Most Inspiring Black Leaders to Follow in 2024
