Derek Kernus serves as the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IVA’AL Solutions, LLC, where he leads the organization’s strategic direction, operational excellence, and long‑range growth initiatives. In this capacity, he develops and executes enterprise‑wide strategic plans that align with the Tribal Council’s vision and the Board of Directors’ priorities, ensuring that all organizational actions uphold tribal values, sovereignty, and long‑term economic development goals.

As Interim CEO, Derek oversees corporate governance, policy development, and the implementation of business structures that drive sustainable growth and diversification across IVA’AL’s portfolio. He serves as the primary liaison between the Tribal Council and subsidiary leadership, ensuring unified execution of mission‑aligned objectives. His leadership encompasses oversight of business development, capture management, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations spanning federal, state, and commercial contracting environments.

Derek maintains responsibility for ensuring IVA’AL Solutions and its subsidiaries remain in good standing with critical SBA programs and adhere to all relevant regulatory requirements governing federal contractors.

A seasoned cybersecurity and business leader, Derek brings extensive experience from his executive‑level roles across the defense industrial base and managed security services sector. He has a distinguished record helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and successfully navigate rigorous security assessments. He has guided multiple teams through complex evaluation processes and enabled them to achieve full compliance with demanding industry and government cybersecurity standards. His leadership strengths include building high‑performing executive teams, cultivating strong partnerships with federal agencies and prime contractors, and fostering a culture of transparency, integrity, collaboration, and respect.

Derek holds an MBA from William & Mary and multiple advanced cybersecurity certifications, including CISSP, CCSP, and Certified CMMC Assessor, underscoring his deep technical and strategic expertise in regulated environments.