Derrick Philips

About Derrick Philips

I help organizations deliver complex software systems with clarity, speed, and purpose. With 20+ years in software development and project leadership, I’ve led high-impact builds across finance, education, digital media, logistics, and healthcare, modernizing platforms, improving workflows, and aligning teams around what matters most.I specialize in applying Generative AI and LLMs to Agile project management and business analysis, automating the mundane to focus on what drives value. Whether it’s Jira, Azure DevOps, or purpose-built tools, I make tech work for people, not the other way around.Currently consulting on a mission-critical logistics platform for a medical device company, I lead delivery from backlog to rollout while championing innovation and practical execution at every level.Outside of tech, I’m a longtime music journalist and indie rock enthusiast who thrives in creative, community-driven spaces, bringing the same energy and passion to collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving.I’m seeking full-time roles where I can build meaningful solutions, drive innovation, and work with people who care about getting it right.Let’s connect.

Experience

1. Director of Digital Media

   Elevator A Gogo

   Jun 2020 — Present · Grand Rapids, MI, US

   I built and maintain the web site for Elevator a GoGo, which finds unsigned original bands to play in the freight elevator of a warehouse in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. The up-and-coming artists are recorded on video and also get a photo shoot as well. With associates in Nashville and Chicago, Elevator a GoGo is using its industry connections to get these bands noticed in the towns that could give them their big break. The video and photos are posted on our website,

Education

• Streamwood High School

  High School Diploma, College Preparatory

  1985 — 1987

• Illinois State University

  English, Psychology

  1987 — 1992

Skills

• Web Development
• SEO
• Business Analysis
• E-Commerce
• Metadata Management
• Technology Process Improvement
• Amazon Kindle
• Agile Methodologies
• Content Management
• Ebooks
• Management
• Content Delivery
• Illustrator
• Requirements Analysis
• Marketing Management
• Cross Functional Team Building
• Software Development Life Cycle (Sdlc)
• Project Management
• Advertising
• Digital Rights Management
• Javascript
• Business Requirements
• Business Process Improvement
• Digital Publishing
• Social Media Marketing
• Microsoft Excel
• Indesign
• IT Business Strategy
• Xml
• Online Marketing
• Epub
• Branding & Identity
• Copywriting
• Leadership
• Web Content Management
• Sql
• Asp.net
• Social Media
• User Interface Design
• Responsive Web Design