Derek Ash
About Derek Ash
Derek Ash serves as the Strategic Initiatives Lead at American Electric Power, where he manages the In-cab Drive Camera program and oversees telematics installations across 8,000 vehicles. With a background in business analysis and finance, he has contributed to significant reductions in vehicle accidents and has developed data visualizations to support operational efficiency.
Work at American Electric Power
Derek Ash has served as the Strategic Initiatives Lead at American Electric Power (AEP) since 2018. In this role, he manages the In-cab Drive Camera program, which has successfully reduced vehicle accidents and auto liability claims by 60% since its inception. He also leads a significant project involving the installation and management of telematics devices on nearly 8,000 vehicles across 11 states. This project requires complex stakeholder communication and quality assurance testing. Additionally, Ash collaborates with teams to enhance AEP's Electric Vehicle Program, focusing on vehicle delivery forecasting and charger infrastructure analysis.
Education and Expertise
Derek Ash holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Otterbein University, where he studied Business Administration from 2002 to 2005. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Franklin University. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his work in strategic initiatives and project management within the energy sector.
Background
Before his current role at AEP, Derek Ash worked as a Business Analyst at the same company from 2007 to 2013. He also has experience in the banking sector, having served as a Section Manager in Retail Distribution at Huntington Bank from 2004 to 2007. This diverse background contributes to his expertise in managing complex projects and initiatives.
Achievements
Derek Ash has made significant contributions to AEP, particularly through the development of metric visualizations using business intelligence software platforms like Power BI and Cognos for an 800-person operations team. His leadership in the In-cab Drive Camera program and telematics device project has led to measurable improvements in safety and operational efficiency.