Dr. Derrick E. Haynes
Founder | Executive Coach | Organizational Strategist
“Helping people and organizations reach their fullest potential is both my passion and my purpose.”
Dr. Derrick E. Haynes is an accomplished executive coach, consultant, and catalyst for transformational growth. With over 20 years of experience leading in higher education and a deep background in organizational performance, Dr. Haynes has dedicated his life to helping individuals and organizations maximize their capacity to achieve lasting success.
After rising through the ranks in higher education—from counselor to dean—Dr. Haynes made the decision to step beyond academia and found Holden Willow Consulting Group. His goal: to help organizations understand not just how to succeed, but how to design success with intention, clarity, and structure. Drawing from his background as an educator, veteran, and scholar, he brings a rare combination of strategic insight, human-centered leadership, and deeply practical wisdom to every engagement.
Dr. Haynes holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Metropolitan State University of Denver, a Master of Education in Organizational Performance and Change, and a Ph.D. in the same discipline from Colorado State University. His doctoral research focused on developing and validating a workplace climate instrument to better understand employee perceptions of the work environment.
His perspective is shaped by his experience as:
- A higher education administrator and professor
- A U.S. Army veteran
- A trained scholar in Organizational Performance, Learning, and Change
- A community leader and advocate
Awards & Honors
Dr. Haynes has been recognized for both professional excellence and community impact, including:
- The Alpha Kappa Alpha M.O.D.E.L. Man Community Leadership Award
- Dr. Martin Luther King Fellowship
- Denver Public Schools Foundation Outstanding Graduate Achievement Recognition
- United States Army Achievement Medal
- Affiliations & Service
- Member, Denver African American Philanthropists
- Member, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- Former Board Member, Colorado High School Charter
- Former Co-Chair, Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce – Chamber Connect
- Former Board Member, NASPA Region IV African American Knowledge Community