DERRICK WATERS

CEO, Coach USA

Derrick Waters is the Chief Executive Officer for Coach USA. He is responsible for all aspects of the business globally. He was the Chief Operations Officer for Coach USA from 2021 to 2023 leading all operations globally.

Prior to coming to Coach USA, Derrick worked for UPS as the Vice President of Package Operations overseeing the seven districts in the 24 western states. He retired from UPS after 34 years of service.

Derrick began his UPS career in 1987 as a part-time employee in North Carolina. In 1988 he was promoted to part-time management in accounting before working as a package car driver during the Christmas of 1990. The following year Derrick was promoted to full-time management in the industrial engineering department. He has worked in a variety of capacities across the country including operations management and an assignment in the UPS corporate office in Atlanta. Prior to his current position Derrick was vice president of engineering for the West Region.

Derrick is passionate about giving back to the community and is an advocate for continued education. He has participated in the Black Executive Exchange Program since 2000. He has served and serves on several boards and committees including the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UC Irvine, CSULA School of Engineering, USC Industrial & Systems Engineering Advisory Board, Tocqueville Cabinet for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta, and the University of California, Riverside Extension Design Thinking Advisory Board.

In 2013 Derrick completed board leadership training at the African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI), and in 2015 he was selected for the UPS Executive Leadership Council.

Derrick holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Saint Augustine’s University and an MBA in International Studies from Mercer University. He was a part-time instructor at Cal State University L.A. from 2015 through 2022.

Derrick and his wife Fredia have four children Kim, Sharri, Derrick, and Erika.

“Heroes don’t have to be perfect, you know. They just have to make you think bigger about yourself, somehow.” – Bob’s Burger S13 E22

My dad leads by example and never hesitates to be of service to others. Anyone who knows my dad would agree with me when I say, “He is an amazing person and respected colleague”. He shows it to everyone, every single day. Growing up I knew I could depend on him regardless of his demanding work schedule. He made it a priority to put family first and be a listening ear for all of my emotions. I appreciate every life lesson and funny moment we’ve shared with the anticipation of many more to come.

The strong, resilient woman that stands before you today is more than (just) the binding of genetics and chromosomes. The person I’ve grown to be is a reflection of the continuous outpouring of love, support and care I received from my father, Derrick Waters Sr. The core beliefs he instilled in my siblings and I has allowed us to pursue our passions and confidently forge our own paths, whenever necessary. Because of him I can stand tall in a world full of billions of people and for that I am thankful. I carry love in my heart and happiness on my sleeve. But most importantly I carry a sense of pride knowing how lucky I am to have you as my dad.

Love you always and forever.

Erika Daniell Waters