Derek S. Ross

Derek S. Ross

President & Chief Operating Officer

Derek S. Ross is a seasoned insurance and risk management executive with more than 30 years of industry experience. As President and Chief Operating Officer, Derek is known for delivering responsive, strategic insurance solutions to clients across a wide range of industries. His approach emphasizes proactive risk management, operational efficiency, and long-term client success.

Derek works closely with clients to reduce exposure and improve financial outcomes through Disaster Prevention Training, Annual Claims Reviews, and customized Loss Control Programs. He has particular expertise in controlling workers’ compensation experience modifications by implementing effective safety and risk management mechanisms.

Industry Leadership

Derek has been a long-standing leader within the independent insurance community. He is a two-time President of the Independent Brokers and Agents of the San Fernando Valley (IBA SFV), during which time he represented the association in both Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, advocating for insurance regulatory reform.

He was elected to serve as a Southern California Regional Director for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of California (IIABcal)  in 2014 and again in 2022. In 2025, Derek was elected to the IIABCal Executive Committee as Secretary/Treasurer, and in 2026 he was elevated to the position of President-Elect.

Community Service & Disaster Preparedness

A dedicated community volunteer, Derek is deeply involved in disaster preparedness and emergency response training. He actively shares his expertise with organizations such as the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Volunteer in Policing program, Disaster Assistance Response Teams (D.A.R.T.), and the Oak Park Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.)

Civic Leadership & Education

In 2008, Derek was elected to the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council, serving as Chairman in 2011. The Council functions as the local governance body for the community of Oak Park, California. He was also elected to the Oak Park Recreation and Park District Committee in 2010, having held the role of Chairman in 2013, 2015, 2021, and 2022.

In 2014, Derek was elected to a four-year term on the Oak Park Unified School District Governing Board and served as Board President in 2018. He was re-elected in 2018 for a second four-year term, continuing his commitment to public education and community leadership.

In recognition of his service, Derek was honored with the Golden Acorn Award in 2016 by the Community Foundation for Oak Park, acknowledging his sustained volunteer contributions to the community.

Author & Community Advocate

Derek co-authored Images of America - Oak Park, with all proceeds donated to local nonprofit organizations. In addition, he founded and continues to volunteer as editor of the community website www.OakParkNow.com, providing local news and resources.

Industry Advancement

In early 2017, Derek furthered his mission to strengthen the insurance industry by founding www.PursueInsurance.com, an initiative focused on attracting and developing new talent within the profession.