Derek Neal

Derek Neal is a seasoned business executive with Fidelity Information Systems (FIS), where he serves within the Enterprise Risk function of the $58 billion global financial technology organization. A U.S. Navy Veteran and native of Chicago, Illinois, Derek relocated to the Jacksonville, Florida area in 2002 with his wife, Jamie, and their three children. Since then, he has established himself as a trusted leader and key initiative driver across both the business and community landscape.

Throughout his career, Derek has demonstrated an ability to lead diverse teams through complex challenges with energy, discipline, and integrity. In addition to his corporate leadership at FIS, he has been a successful entrepreneur—building a thriving real estate company and later founding a leading regional chain of sleep centers. He was also selected to lead the Technical Team at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, where he supported the information technology needs of one of the largest transportation networks in the Southeast United States.

Across every role, Derek is known for his leadership style rooted in respect, accountability, and service. He leads with passion and determination, consistently striving to contribute at the highest level while treating colleagues as family—listening first, acting thoughtfully, and leading by example.

Derek is deeply committed to giving back to his community through volunteerism and youth development initiatives.

Most notably, he founded and led the C.L.A.Y. Bears (Claiming Local Area Youth) program, envisioning an area-wide sports league designed to help children develop strong character, life-coping skills, and positive direction. Through his leadership, the program has impacted hundreds of youth, expanded to include girls, engaged families and schools, and gained recognition as a model program for counties throughout the region—earning attention at the national level.