Derrick T. Dortch, President

Derrick T. Dortch is President of The Diversa Group, a consulting company specializing in career, entrepreneurship, leadership and organizational consulting, development & training. There he leads the career, government, and military services divisions in providing career counseling, targeted resume development, interview preparation, job search assistance, government job search assistance, military transition, and entrepreneurship services to individuals and organizations.

Mr. Dortch is the Government Career Expert for The Washington Post. Twice a month he hosts a “Live Online” show and contributes articles on the Job Search, Government Job Search, Getting a Security Clearance, Military Transition, Internships, and Career, Work and Life issues. He also writes articles for the Career Success Center, providing advice to help people succeed in their career, work and life.

Each week Mr. Dortch also hosts a radio show on Federal News Radio 1500 AM called "Fed Access with Derrick T. Dortch". Every Friday at 12 noon he talks to various guests about everything from how to win government jobs and contracts, to effectively managing your government career, to learning about interesting federal agencies, workers and jobs, to best utilizing government services. He explores the world of the federal government and provides listeners the access they need to succeed.

In addition to providing leadership to The Diversa Group Mr. Dortch serves as the Director of Career Services at the Institute of World Politics (IWP) a graduate school and think tank focused on national security, intelligence, international affairs, and statecraft. There he provides career counseling, job search and targeted resume development assistance, interview preparation, salary negotiation, security clearance counseling and career success management to students and alumni pursuing careers in the areas of national and homeland security, intelligence, foreign affairs and international development.

Before assuming leadership of The Diversa Group, Mr. Dortch worked as Assistant Director for Georgetown University's Career Education Center. At Georgetown he served as a career counselor, employment advisor and was responsible for the Center's educational technology & marketing. Mr. Dortch previously held the position of Manager of Internships, Government & Non-Profit Opportunities where he worked to find Georgetown students’ jobs in the federal government, non-profit, and public service sectors by building relationship with government agencies and non -profit employers and advising students on how to succeed. He served as the first Director of the Georgetown Public Interest Program (GPIP) before being promoted to Assistant Director.

During his time at Georgetown, Mr. Dortch ran the Government & Non-Profit Career Expo, Career Fair, special career education programs and resume critique events. He conducted career development workshops and seminars, provided career counseling and advice, enhanced the Center’s website, and implemented several innovative technology initiatives. As part of the center’s new directives he increased marketing and participation of constituents and developed several trailblazing databases and reports.

Mr. Dortch is deeply committed to service and responding in times of need and crisis. As a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team in Washington, D.C. Mr. Dortch was one of the first Red Cross Disaster workers on the scene providing support to the rescue and recovery efforts at the Pentagon during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. To this day he continues his work with the American Red Cross.

Mr. Dortch is a Flotilla Staff Officer (FSO) and Career Counselor with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He has served as the lead for all Communication Services for his unit and has served as a Career Counselor. He also served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in various capacities from combat operations in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm to training, operational planning, career counseling, and administration. His military service awards include the: Combat Action Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Meritorious Unit Commendation.

He has years of experience working in the business, education, non-profit, and government sectors. Before taking his posts at Georgetown University, Mr. Dortch worked with the City of Detroit Youth Department as a program coordinator for the Resident Youth Council, an academic, career and leadership development program for high school students. He also worked as a counselor with the YMCA and as Youth Minister at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church. While at Tuskegee University Mr. Dortch worked as Assistant to the Vice President, Judicial Officer, Director of Orientation Programs, Editor-In-Chief of the Campus Digest and other positions.

Mr. Dortch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Masters of Education in Counseling and Student Development from Tuskegee University. He has also taken graduate level and professional development courses in technology and national security at Georgetown University.