Derek L. Toliver

Ambassador California @United States Army Reserve

San Francisco, CA, US

The Army Reserve Ambassador Program was established in 1998 to promote awareness of the Army Reserve, its goals and objectives, and to serve as a vital bridge in our states/communities to further educate and garner support for the Army Reserve. Ambassadors are a powerful means of message delivery to the American people.The function of the Ambassador is similar to that of Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army, and carries a protocol status equivalent of a 2-Star Major General that is a key means by which Ambassadors are able to effectively execute their responsibilities. Ambassadors are Special Government Employees who represent the Chief of the Army Reserve without salary, wages or related benefits.Ambassadors provide Community Outreach assistance to Army Reserve members/families, other military personnel/families as needed, & provide feedback on plans, programs & needs to the Commander of the Army Reserve, the Regional Support Commander & to local USAR Commanders.Additionally, Ambassadors build relationships & strive to improve the understanding & knowledge of the Army Reserve within the business and social sectors of communities across America. They help to educate the public, community leaders, and congressional staff offices about the capabilities and values of the Army Reserve and the Soldiers who live and work in their communities. They establish open lines of communication with the local communities; and they work to support recruiting efforts by assisting community and business leaders in recognizing that the Army Reserve strengthens the Soldiers, the community, and the Nation. While not all ARAs have military experience, many are retired officers or senior NCO\'s (Non-Commissioned Officers) who wish to remain engaged in military affairs. Each state and territory has at least one ARA.For more information, visit

The United States Army War College

Leader Development Certificate, Commandants National Security Program

Woodrow Wilson High School - San Francisco, CA

Diploma, History, Electronics, Civics

International Facility Management Association

Essentials of Facilities Management, Finance & Business | Leadership & Strategy | Operations & Maintenance | Project Management

Stanford University

Bachelor of Arts, Economics

Villanova University

Awarded Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate, Studying for Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

University of California, Berkeley

Urban Economics