Derek Maiava is a retired Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force, a rank achieved by only the top one percent of the enlisted force. Over a 24.5-year military career, he served in senior leadership roles shaping workforce development, education, and human capital policy across the Department of the Air Force.

In his final assignment as Senior Enlisted Leader at Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center, Derek oversaw more than 70 enterprise programs supporting 2.5 million Airmen, Guardians, retirees, and family members. His work influenced major personnel systems including accessions, testing, classification, and education and training programs affecting more than 600,000 service members. Previously, he served as Senior Enlisted Leader for the Inspector General Inspections Division at Air Force Materiel Command, guiding inspection operations evaluating the readiness of seven major centers comprising 89,000 personnel and a $72 billion enterprise mission.

Throughout his career, Derek led enterprise modernization efforts that improved personnel systems, strengthened workforce development programs, and helped prepare future generations of military leaders.

Originally from the U.S. Territory of American Samoa, Derek is passionate about expanding educational access and leadership opportunities for Pacific Islander communities. Through his service on the board of Voices of Pacific Island Nations, he supports efforts to advance mentorship, representation, and educational equity for Pacific Islander youth and families.

Derek holds three Associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and two Master of Arts degrees from Webster University in Human Resources Management and Leadership & Management.