CLEVELAND, OH, March 04, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Derrick Howell, EdD, MBA, CPC, has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Howell has established a distinguished career marked by leadership, innovation and a steadfast commitment to empowering others through education and financial literacy. Since 2024, he has served as the chief financial officer at Care Alliance Health Center, where he oversees comprehensive financial operations for a multi-site health care clinic. His responsibilities include directing accounting, finance and financial reporting functions across all locations, managing revenue cycle operations such as claims billing and patient accounts, leading development operations with a focus on fundraising and grant development, and ensuring financial integrity and compliance throughout clinical, billing and development activities.

In 2025, Dr. Howell also became an adjunct professor at Cuyahoga Community College, teaching applied accounting courses and a personal finance class that extends into local high schools. He further exemplifies his dedication to education as a principal consultant at Ascend Financial Consulting. Through this venture since 2018, he has delivered financial consulting services to middle-market clients and individuals who may otherwise lack expert advice, ensuring equitable access to high-quality financial guidance.

Prior to his current roles, Dr. Howell held several key positions at The Economic Club of Chicago from 2020 to 2024. He began as a financial analyst in 2020, advanced to finance and operations manager in 2022 and ultimately served as the director of finance and operations in 2024. During his tenure, he contributed to the organization's mission of connecting Chicago's elite C-suite leaders by managing complex financial strategies and operational initiatives.

From 2016 until 2020, Dr. Howell was the vice president and branch manager at JPMorgan Chase, where he led branch operations while developing a keen awareness of the barriers many individuals face when seeking financial advice. His earlier experience includes serving as the district director for PLS Financial Services between 2014 and 2016, during which time he managed six locations specializing in short-term lending, check cashing and bill payment services. He began his professional journey with McDonald's Corporation from 2006 to 2014, rising quickly through the ranks from crew member to director of training and development.

Playing a pivotal part in shaping Dr. Howell's multifaceted career was his academic background, which began with a Bachelor of Science in accounting and finance from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2019. He subsequently earned a Master of Business Administration from Purdue University Global in 2021, followed by a Doctor of Education in leadership and innovation from the same institution in 2025. In addition to his formal education, he holds numerous credentials that further distinguish him, including as a certified professional coder through AAPC, a licensed finance consultant and mortgage loan originator with Primerica Mortgage LLC, and an insurance consultant licensed by the Ohio Department of Insurance. He has also obtained Series 63 and Series 6 licenses through FINRA.

Throughout his career, Dr. Howell has maintained active memberships in several industry-related organizations, including AAPC, Accounting Professionals and the National Association of Social Workers. His accomplishments have been recognized through several prestigious accolades, such as being named a Notable Leader in Finance by Crain's Cleveland Business in 2025 and receiving awards for most profitable district performance and the Top Leader Award from McDonald's Corporation.

Reflecting on his pursuits, Dr. Howell attributes his success to an enduring aptitude for learning coupled with deep humility — a mindset that encourages continuous growth and adaptability across diverse environments. He credits influential mentors for shaping his trajectory and acknowledges the foundational work ethic instilled by his mother as instrumental to his achievements.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Howell is actively engaged in the community. He serves on the board of Step-Up Inc., contributes as a board member for Greenwood Oasis, and has previously volunteered with Empowering Indy and the Powerhouse Church.

Looking ahead, Dr. Howell is dedicated to establishing a financial literacy academy designed to empower disenfranchised communities with essential knowledge for building generational wealth while also expanding affordable health care opportunities through innovative models at Care Alliance Health Center. His dual focus on advancing financial literacy and health care accessibility underscores his unwavering commitment to fostering positive change within the community he serves.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #