Richard Derrick

City Manager/CEO

702-267-2070
702-267-2081 (Fax)
Richard.Derrick@cityofhenderson.com

Richard Derrick is a seasoned professional in municipal government who has served as City Manager and Chief Executive Officer for the City of Henderson since 2018.  For more than two decades, Richard has mastered multifaceted roles at the City, including positions as Interim City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, where he developed a proven track record of strategic leadership and financial acumen that has played a pivotal role in steering the City toward success.

Joining the City in 1999, Richard has advanced through progressively more responsible positions within the City’s Finance Department and Senior Executive Leadership team. He has served as Manager of Budget and Strategic Management, Assistant to the City Manager, Assistant Finance Director, and Finance Director, and under his financial leadership the City of Henderson has maintained one of the highest bond ratings of any city in the state of Nevada.

During his tenure as Chief Financial Officer, Richard was responsible for the overall fiscal health of the City, including managing resources, cost efficiencies, and ensuring service delivery needs across a broad spectrum of municipal functions. His wealth of experience and financial expertise were critical factors during the Great Recession of 2008, ensuring no City employees were laid off during this fiscally challenging time.

Derrick has pioneered a host of public/private partnerships between the City and storied organizations including the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the America First Center on Water Street, the Raiders Corporate Headquarters and Practice Facility, the Henderson Silver Knights, The Dollar Loan Center Arena, the Las Vegas Aces Corporate Headquarters and Practice Facility, and the Knight Hawks. These collaborations have leveraged the strengths of both sectors and resulted in improved infrastructure, amenities, and economic development.

As City Manager during the COVID-19 pandemic, Richard navigated our community through an unprecedented time using innovation, determination, and resilience as guiding forces behind the incredible efforts of City Staff, and his leadership during the City’s successful response serves as a useful model for other municipalities and local governments facing similar situations.

Richard has received numerous honors in recognition of his impactful management of the City including the 2023 Baldridge Foundation Award for Leadership Excellence, Vegas Inc.’s 2023 C-Suite Honor, selection as a one of American City & County’s Exemplary Public Servants for 2023; the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association, Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Gold Certification, Exeleon Magazine’s Most Dynamic CEO, and the Pinnacle Award for Excellence from the Southwest Alliance for Excellence. He also oversaw efforts for the City to be named a 2024 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Winner—the highest recognition for performance excellence bestowed by the President of the United States. 

Richard holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With more than 30 years of experience in budget and financial management, he has worked in both the public and private sectors for the Clark County School District, Caesars Palace and Deloitte, Haskins and Sells.

After years of 26 service to the City of Henderson, Richard has announced his retirement with January 21, 2025 as his last day.