“I Rise by Lifting Those Around Me.”
Derek Clenzi is a nationally certified motivational interventionist, certified addiction counselor, and award-winning healthcare leader whose work has shaped communities, strengthened organizations, and transformed lives across the behavioral health and healthcare continuum. With more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience, he has built a career rooted equally in compassion and strategy—serving as a catalyst for meaningful change while driving operational excellence in every organization he touches. His personal motto, “I rise by lifting those around me,” reflects both his guiding philosophy and his proven track record of empowering individuals, teams, and institutions to reach higher levels of performance and purpose.
Derek’s professional foundation began in business, having earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida before advancing to complete a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Walden University. This blend of business and healthcare education provided him with the unique ability to bridge clinical needs with administrative efficiency, enabling him to excel on the business side of healthcare—a space where operational precision and human-centered care must coexist. From early in his career, Derek demonstrated an aptitude for leadership, communication, and process optimization, quickly distinguishing himself in roles that demanded both empathy and executive acumen.
His entry into the behavioral health field marked the beginning of a career defined by service, innovation, and impact. Derek spent many years advancing through leadership roles in private rehabilitation centers, gaining hands-on knowledge of mental health treatment, admissions management, client experience, and program development. During his tenure with Beachside Rehab, where he served for more than six years as Admissions Director, he helped streamline patient onboarding processes, cultivated strong relationships with families and providers, and played an instrumental role in expanding access to quality treatment for those struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders.
Derek’s leadership journey progressed further when he joined Port St. Lucie Hospital, where he served as Director of Admissions. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing critical entry-point operations during periods of heightened demand within the behavioral health system. Under his direction, the admissions department enhanced service delivery, strengthened operational workflows, and improved patient engagement outcomes. Derek’s ability to remain composed, solutions-focused, and deeply empathetic in high-pressure environments became a hallmark of his leadership style.
Today, Derek serves as the Senior Director of Business Development for Miracles Recovery Center, where he leads organizational growth initiatives, referral partnerships, outreach strategy, and community engagement efforts. His work directly contributes to expanding the center’s footprint and connecting individuals with lifesaving behavioral health services. He brings to this role a powerful combination of strategic insight, operational experience, and mission-driven passion—qualities that have made him a trusted leader throughout the healthcare and recovery sectors.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Derek is deeply committed to community service and nonprofit leadership. He serves as Vice President of the Bayshore Board of Directors and is the Chairperson of the Treasure Coast Young People Service Committee. His involvement with the Opiate Task Force of the Treasure Coast and other community-driven organizations further exemplifies his dedication to fostering recovery, resilience, and hope for those in need. In 2018, Derek was recognized with the prestigious Free Masons of Ohio Community Builder Award, a testament to his lasting contributions and positive influence within the communities he serves.
Derek’s credentials extend well beyond his leadership titles. He is a Certified National Motivational Interventionist, a skilled public speaker, and a practitioner of motivational interviewing with the ability to inspire, empower, and guide individuals toward personal transformation. His multilingual abilities in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, along with his international exposure in Europe, enable him to connect authentically with diverse populations. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of emotional intelligence, professionalism, and vision that positions him as a force for positive change.
At the core of Derek’s work is a profound respect for the human experience. He believes that people thrive when they feel heard, supported, and challenged in meaningful ways. Whether coaching a young adult navigating early recovery, advising a healthcare organization through operational improvements, or leading a board through strategic planning, Derek brings patience, passion, and unwavering commitment to every role he assumes. He is driven not by accolades but by the opportunity to uplift others and create organizational environments where individuals and teams can realize their full potential.
Derek’s personal mission—to help struggling individuals achieve success and stability—fuels his professional direction and long-term ambitions. With flexibility to travel and openness to new industries, he is actively exploring board placements and leadership opportunities where his expertise in healthcare, behavioral health, business operations, and community development can be used to shape forward-thinking, socially impactful organizations. He seeks roles that align with purpose, collaboration, and transformation, bringing both strategic insight and heartfelt dedication to every endeavor.
Above all, Derek believes in the power of service, human connection, and ethical leadership. His career is a testament to what becomes possible when vision and compassion intersect. He remains committed to continuous growth, meaningful contribution, and the pursuit of excellence—always striving to lift those around him as he rises.
Character:
Derek demonstrates exceptional character through his unwavering dedication to service and his consistent commitment to helping others succeed. He approaches every situation with integrity, empathy, and humility, reflecting a deep respect for the people and organizations he serves. His leadership is rooted in authenticity, making him both trustworthy and influential.
Knowledge:
He brings extensive knowledge across healthcare administration, behavioral health, business operations, and community engagement. His advanced academic background and hands-on leadership experience allow him to navigate complex systems with confidence and clarity. He continually seeks opportunities to expand his expertise, ensuring he remains effective in an evolving industry landscape.
Strategic:
Derek excels as a strategic thinker who aligns organizational needs with long-term vision and operational efficiency. He anticipates challenges before they arise and develops thoughtful, practical solutions that strengthen outcomes. His ability to integrate mission-driven purpose with data-informed decision-making elevates the impact of every team he leads.
Communication:
His communication skills are among his strongest assets, demonstrated through his public speaking abilities, motivational coaching, and interpersonal strengths. He conveys ideas with clarity, compassion, and confidence, fostering trust and engagement among diverse audiences. His multilingual abilities further enhance his capacity to connect across cultures and communities.
