Derick Maggard

Derick Maggard joins the Franke Honors College and FORGE teams to launch an innovative new program - the Bachelors of Creative Intelligence and Innovation. His focus is engaging external partners to provide students with hands-on, real-world experiences and learn critical skills for success in the 21st-century workforce.

Derick currently serves as Venture Partner for Transform Capital, a late-stage venture capital firm investing in high-growth technology companies that donates 50% of profits to charitable causes. Prior to joining the University of Arizona, Derick served as Founding Executive Director of the Apex Center for Entrepreneurs at Virginia Tech, where he spent nine years building up the entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating a world-class center supporting student entrepreneurs. During his tenure, he led the launch of Startup Hokies, Virginia Tech's student incubator program. He co-founded LunchPail Ventures, an alumni network to invest in and support founders and Virginia Tech alumni startup companies.

Derick brings an impressive background in business development, operations, marketing, and new venture management. Derick previously served as Executive Director of the Roanoke – Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC) where he collaborated with technology company leaders and startups. As Executive Director, he built a climate conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustained growth for the region’s technology-based businesses by strengthening local networks, locating sources of capital, and harnessing the talent and innovation brewing in the region’s educational institutions.

Derick is a serial entrepreneur, founding and exiting several successful businesses, including Legacy Home Healthcare and Prescott Indoor Soccer. Following a stint at Utah’s vSpring Capital, he joined start-up Mangia Technologies as Director of Business Development, where he created and managed technology partnerships with NBA, NHL, MLS, NFL, and NCAA sports franchises across the United States.

Derick was born and raised in Prescott, AZ. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern Virginia University, studying political science and business management. He also holds a master’s in industrial systems Engineering from Virginia Tech.