Derek Helms is a strategic communications executive with experience leading communications, media relations and public engagement efforts across government, higher education, nonprofit and publishing sectors. Before joining IAAO, Helms served as Communications Director for the Kansas Department of Labor, where he oversaw statewide communications strategy and advised executive leadership.
Previously, Helms was Content Director for KU Endowment, leading donor-focused communications for major philanthropic initiatives, and spent eight years as Director of Publicity, Marketing and Sales for the University Press of Kansas, overseeing national marketing and publicity campaigns. He is also the founder of Four Birds Media, a regional publishing company. Helms holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Kansas and lives in Lawrence, KS with his wife and kids.