Richard Derrick, ’88 BS Business Administration, ’02 Master of Public Administration, is the chief financial officer for the city of Henderson. He leads the city’s financial management services to the public, state agencies, bondholders, grantors, auditors, elected officials, and city departments. Under his leadership, Henderson has maintained one of the highest bond ratings of any city in the state. He has worked for the city since 1999, in a variety of positions, including manager of budget and strategic management, assistant to the city manager, assistant finance director, and finance director. His hobbies include spending time with family, hiking, camping, skiing, kayaking, backpacking, fishing, volleyball, and travel. He and his wife, Bettyann Davis Derrick, ’88 BS Business Administration, ’95 Master of Education, have been married 30 years. They have three children, Leanna Derrick Mackelprang, ’11 BS Elementary Education; Loreal Derrick Hemenway, ’14 BS Elementary Education; and Richie Derrick, who is a junior in UNLV’s Lee Business School.
Leon Symanski
Leon Symanski, ’87 BS Business Administration, ’94 Master of Public Administration, ’01 JD, is an attorney at Craig P. Kenney & Associates. Before attending law school, he worked 10 years in the hotel/casino industry. During his undergraduate years, he played for the Runnin’ Rebels. His hobbies include golf, reading, and thoroughbred horses. He is married to Lisa Gentile Symanski, ’87 BA Communication Studies. They live in Henderson.
Barbara Phillips
Barbara Phillips, ’81 BA Communication Studies, is retired, but politically active in Clean Energy Project, an energy conservation organization, and in volunteering for 2016 Democratic candidates. Previously, she worked for the public television station KLVX. She plans to take a Danube Christmas market cruise. She and her husband, Ronald Phillips, ’73 BS Management, have spent 10 years traveling around the county in recreational vehicles. Her hobbies include art and creative floral projects.