Derek Herrmann

Derek Herrmann joined George Mason University in April 2025 and works as the Assistant Director of Development for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. In this role, Derek secures philanthropic support for scholarships and academic programs related to the School of Theater, School of Dance, Film and Video Studies, and the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music. He serves as the liaison to community volunteer Friends groups for those academic units and supports the College’s overall mission.

Prior to Mason, Derek built his career in hospitality and tourism management. Most recently, he planned group performance travel for bands, choirs, orchestras, and theatre troupes around the U.S. and abroad. In higher education, he served as a Manager of Alumni Relations and Special Events at Purdue University and held various positions at Washington University in St. Louis, the California Institute of Technology, and Indiana University.

Derek serves as the Board Secretary for Ninth Planet (formerly Composers Inc./Wild Rumpus), a new and contemporary music ensemble in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a previous Board President for Pride of Indy Bands and previous Board Member and Director of Conferences for Pride Bands Alliance. A musician himself (trombone, piano, and oboe), he is looking forward to getting involved in the local music scene.

Degrees

• MPH, Physical Activity, Indiana University
• BS, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University