Chief of Staff
Step Forward

Derek Cluse is an exceptional leader and innovator who excels at developing people, driving continuous improvement, and aligning financial resources with organizational strategies. His firm belief in encouraging and motivating people to be lifelong learners and harnessing that passion generates exponential growth for the organization and the individual is an asset to any team. Thanks to his breadth of experience as a leader in C-Suite and other leadership roles, Derek has developed a personal vision to lead with authenticity and integrity. He takes action to create and implement innovative and accessible solutions that make a difference in the lives of his clients, team members, family, and community.

Derek currently serves as the Chief of Staff and Operations for Step Forward in Cleveland, Ohio, where he oversees finance, technology, operations, quality improvement, and strategic initiatives. As a Certified Professional Accountant by training, he firmly believes that financial literacy is a foundational element for attaining and sustaining economic freedom.

Prior to joining Step Forward, Derek successfully built two start-up enterprises and led two business turnarounds. He also spearheaded two public capital campaigns for Ohio school districts and multiple privately funded building projects, demonstrating his ability to achieve results. When he is not working, Derek enjoys listening to music, spending time with his family, exploring trails in the Cuyahoga National Park, and honing his cooking skills.