Chief Development Officer

Following a competitive national search, Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation (HMHF) has appointed Derek Dictson as the inaugural chief development officer, major gifts, effective January 13, 2025. In his new role, Dictson will lead and develop the major gift, planned, annual, and corporate and foundation giving teams. He will also expand and lead regional fundraising across Houston Methodist’s network hospitals. Dictson joins the institution at an exciting moment as the foundation dramatically grows and scales to support an upcoming comprehensive campaign that will be the largest in Houston Methodist history.

With more than 20 years of experience across healthcare, higher education, and non-profit organizations, Dictson previously served as the vice president of university advancement at both Colorado State University and his alma mater, New Mexico State University (NMSU). At NMSU, Dictson significantly built and restructured the development enterprise, establishing the NMSU Foundation as an independent employer of the advancement staff and growing annual fundraising by nearly 50 percent. Dictson was also instrumental in completing an $80 million unrestricted gift in support of NMSU’s greatest needs. Prior to NMSU, he led development for Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and Texas A&M University Bush School of Government & Public Service, among other schools and units at Texas A&M. He has also held management positions in the private and nonprofit sectors. 

Dictson holds a bachelor of science degree in agricultural business/economics from New Mexico State University and a master of public service and administration from Texas A&M University. 

Rachel Ellenport and Grace Zakim led this search with Bryce Ervin and Lisa Clayton.