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Henderson City Manager Richard Derrick Announces Retirement After 26 Years of Dedicated Service
Derrick’s Commitment and Leadership Has Led the City to Great Successes
HENDERSON, Nev. (Nov. 13, 2024) – After 26 years of service to the City of Henderson, Henderson City Manager/CEO Richard Derrick announces his retirement effective Jan. 21, 2025.
Derrick joined the City in 1999 and held the City Manager position since 2018. His stewardship has led to sustained positive resident sentiment, with satisfaction ranking above the 95th percentile, leading the City to receive the 2024 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award — the nation's only presidential award for performance excellence.
“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the City where I was born and raised and where my wife and I raised our children, who are now raising their own families,” said Derrick. “As the City continues to grow, we have successfully adapted to its ever-evolving needs and achieved significant milestones that have enhanced the quality of life for our residents. I am confident in Henderson's future successes and legacy as America's premier City.”
Under his leadership, Derrick strengthened the City's commitment to public safety, opening two new fire stations, one new police station, a new forensics laboratory, and adding 163 new public safety positions.
Henderson also established itself as a sports City during Derrick's tenure. Successful public-private partnerships, like those with the Vegas Golden Knights, brought professional sports teams, including the Henderson Silver Knights, Vegas Knight Hawks, Vegas Thrill, and Las Vegas Desert Dogs, to Henderson and the Raiders Practice Facility. The momentum of professional sports also led to the development of two indoor fieldhouses.
During the pandemic, Derrick successfully navigated the many impacts, helping ensure residents' and businesses' recovery and resiliency. Additionally, Derrick expanded educational and vocational opportunities with the Center of Excellence while diversifying and strengthening our local economy with projects like Haas Automation.
The positive momentum on Water Street and revitalization efforts have been notable among the community under Derrick's charge, with the addition of America First Center and the popularity of the many locally owned restaurants, breweries, and shops.
"None of what we have accomplished as a City in recent years, including winning the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, could have happened without Richard’s steady command," said Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero. "He will be sorely missed, but I am confident that his legacy of leadership and the positive culture he has built will provide a strong foundation as a new City Manager takes the helm."
Derrick's work has led to many awards and accolades, including the 2023 Malcolm Baldrige Foundation Award for Leadership Excellence, the American City & County Exemplary Public Servant Award, the Credentialed Manager Designation from the International City/County Management Association, and the 2021 Southwest Alliance for Excellence Leadership Award.
Derrick will continue to fulfill his responsibilities until Jan. 21, 2025. The Mayor and Council will appoint a new City Manager before the end of the year.