About Me
My name is Derrick Dawson, and I am pursuing the Double Owl pathway in Healthcare Management and Informatics at Kennesaw State University to strategically position myself at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and leadership. This accelerated academic program aligns seamlessly with my professional objectives, enabling me to build upon more than a decade of industry experience while efficiently earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in a streamlined timeframe.
Admission to the Double Owl pathway is highly competitive and requires maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 throughout my undergraduate coursework. This rigorous academic threshold ensures that only students demonstrating exceptional scholarly excellence gain entry to the accelerated graduate program. By consistently performing at this elevated level, I am not only proving my readiness for advanced study but also developing the disciplined approach necessary for leadership in complex healthcare environments.
Professional Experience
Proof of Impact
Metrics that define excellence in healthcare IT.
$4.1M
New Business Revenue
Brought in significant healthcare business and 750+ new clients within a single fiscal year.
95%
Client Satisfaction
Consistent excellence achieved through full lifecycle client implementations and strategic partnership management.
90%
Operational Efficiency
Reduction in processing time through the implementation of AI-driven PHI/PII data management workflows.
72%
Delivery Timeline Gain
Direct improvement in project delivery timelines resulting from comprehensive healthcare workflow analysis.
Deployable Operations Group
The Deployable Operations Group (DOG) was a U.S. Coast Guard command (2007–2013) that unified the service’s Deployable Specialized Forces under a single, high‑readiness structure. Based in Arlington, VA, DOG supported DHS, DoD, DoJ, and interagency commanders with adaptive force packages for counter‑terrorism, counter‑narcotics, maritime interdiction, and disaster response. Its units included MSRT, MSST, PSUs, TACLET, and the National Strike Force. Although DOG was later decommissioned and reorganized into Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF), its mission and capabilities continue through globally deployable Coast Guard units.
NSF – Gulf Strike Team (GST)
The Gulf Strike Team (GST) is one of three specialized units within the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Strike Force. It is a vital national asset made up of highly trained professionals who can rapidly deploy with advanced equipment and incident management expertise, anytime and anywhere. GST is recognized worldwide as a leading authority in preparing for and responding to oil spills, hazardous substance releases, weapons of mass destruction incidents, and other major emergencies. Its area of responsibility covers key U.S. Coast Guard districts and EPA regions across the Gulf and Southeast, as well as international missions in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.