Having devoted his career to community engagement through communications, advocacy and philanthropy, Derek Slap brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to The Village as our Vice President for Advancement.
“My goal is to help advance The Village’s mission by making more community members aware of our incredible work, strengthening community engagement and encouraging philanthropic support,” he said.
In this role, Derek oversees development, communications and marketing and works to ensure that staff, donors, volunteers, partners and the Greater Hartford community understand who we are, what we do and how they can work alongside us to help vulnerable children, adults and families. He also oversees The Village’s brand adherence and core brand promise, and works to develop strategies that increase awareness of our work, market specific programs and enhance employee communications.
Previously, Derek served as the President & CEO of the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC), where he focused on stewarding its members and engaging local business leaders. He has also served as the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the UConn Foundation and has 10 years of broadcast journalism experience.
Derek represents the 5th state senate district in Connecticut’s general assembly and teaches political science at Yale University and crisis communications at Sacred Heart University. He earned his master’s degree in business administration from UConn and his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University.
What quote best captures your personal philosophy?
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” –Melody Beattie
What would you most want the clients of The Village to know about you?
My father was a minister and my mother was a nurse. I believe in my core that we are all here to help each other – and that compassion, kindness and gratitude are life’s greatest virtues.
What is something unexpected that most people don’t know about you?
I married my high school sweetheart.