Derrick Lesnau, CEO, SIMS Foundation

Derrick Lesnau, CEO, SIMS Foundation

About the program:

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World.  Our musicians and music industry professionals need our community's support and advocacy if we want to be able to continue to call ourselves the Live Music Capital.  As our creatives and artists continue to experience challenges with increasing costs of living and challenges with the changing landscape of the music industry, we need to be intentional with how we support this vital part of our cultural heritage.  SIMS Foundation provides direct support to our music community through the partnerships we have with our community supporters.  SIMS celebrates 30 years in 2025 of supporting our music community's mental health and recovery needs.  

About Derrick:

Derrick moved to Austin in 1999 to attend The University of Texas and has remained in Austin since graduating with his Bachelor of Social Work degree. While attending UT, Derrick worked in the service industry as a bartender at various venues that hosted live music. After graduation, he joined Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas (RMHC) as House Operations Manager. During his 18 years with RMHC, Derrick oversaw program expansion and grew in his professional leadership. Derrick ended his tenure with RMHC as Interim CEO and joined the SIMS Foundation as their new CEO in June 2024. Derrick looks forward to increasing support for musicians and music industry professionals and their access to mental health and substance use recovery resources. Derrick has been an active community leader, receiving a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership & Management, graduating from Leadership Austin Essentials program and serving on the Resource Management Commission for the City of Austin. Derrick was also a finalist for the Austin Under 40 awards for two consecutive years, recognizing his work in the nonprofit community. Derrick is currently serving as an ambassador for the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

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