Derek Keller
DoD and SOF Subject Matter Expert
Years of Experience in
the Department of Defense
Agencies Partnered With
Year Joined
SummitET
Why I work at SummitET
Upon completion of a 31 year military career, I knew I wanted to stay involved in the protection of our nation and our citizens. SummitET is a purpose-built organization that employs an array of talented individuals across multiple disciplines. SummmitET’s goal is to provide value to its customers through the application of Subject Matter Expertise focused on ensuring preparedness and reducing risk. I am honored to work with such an incredible team and excited to help the community navigate the complexities of the current international and national security environments. “An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure.”
What do you perceive to be the greatest challenge facing America today regarding your subject matter expertise?
The rise of lone wolf operators coming into our country through our nation’s porous borders. In my opinion, Americans see the border as a political issue and not a national security issue. We have been blessed for many decades to always fight away games. It is hard to change the American mindset that we are safe here in the homeland and therefore do not need to focus on planning and preparedness. We have been very fortunate as a nation, but need to remember the words of former President Teddy Roosevelt, “Much has been given to us, and much will rightfully be expected from us. We have duties to others and duties to ourselves; and we can shirk neither.”
The best advice I’ve ever received is:
Planning is the most important aspect in the security sector. The art of early planning may obviate the need for costly future action. Plan early, plan often. Most people don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan.
Education
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
M.S. Defense Analysis: Irregular Warfare
METHODIST UNIVERSITY
B.A. International Studies and Spanish
MIDDLE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Army Fellowship, Terrorism and Non-Proliferation Studies
Certifications
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Awards
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medals (3)
Defense Meritorious Service Medals (2)
Army Meritorious Service Medals (2)
The Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device
Specializations
Joint Military Operations & Leadership
Counterterrorism & WMD Strategic Planning & Preparedness
Incident Management & Response
About Derek
Colonel (Retired) Derek R. Keller served in the U.S. Army Special Forces for 31 years, gaining extensive combat experience and expertise in both domestic and international training and exercise planning and execution. He held various leadership roles in both Infantry and Special Operations units.
In 2005, Derek was assigned to the 10th SFG (Airborne) at Ft. Carson, Colorado, where he served in multiple command and operational positions. He completed his Joint assignment at Special Operations Command – North leading DoD efforts to support to the FBI’s Counterterrorism and counter WMD initiatives from 2013-2016. In that role Derek served as the principal military advisor to strengthen interagency partnerships and operational outcomes, and he provided DoD resources and capabilities as part of an interagency effort led by the FBI to protect national assets from nuclear, chemical, and biological terrorism. Additionally, he served as the senior SOF Commander in Mexico in 2015.
From 2016 to 2018, Derek commanded the Army’s Recruiting Battalion in Chicago, Illinois, where his leadership efforts led to the recruitment of over 3,300 men and women into the U.S. Army Active and Reserve components.
Following his battalion command, he deployed with SOJTF-OIR to Iraq as the deputy J-3 from 2018-2019. He then returned to Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, where he served as the J-35 Regional Branch Chief. His final assignment was as the Director of the International Division, leading a 90-member team of U.S. military, foreign military, government service, and contracted civilians to enhance interoperability and strengthen relationships among global Special Operations Forces (SOF). The division included representatives from 32 nations.
COL Keller was commissioned through the Officers Candidate School in 1999. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Special Forces Qualification Course, Command and General Staff College, Joint Forces Staff College, and the Army War College.
Operational deployments include:
• UPHOLD DEMOCRACY (October 1994)
• Operation CONSTANT VIGIL (1998)
• Operation IRAQI FREEDOM IV (2006)
• Operation IRAQI FREEDOM V (2007)
• Operation NEW DAWN (2011)
• Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (2019)