Healthy Learners names Derek Cromwell new executive director

Wednesday, September 03, 2025

Tags: Healthy Learners , Outreach

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Healthy Learners has announced Derek Cromwell as the new executive director of the organization, which is a faith-based non-profit committed to removing health-related barriers to learning for children across South Carolina. Gwen Walker was also appointed as the new community manager for the Lowcountry region.

With over 25 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, Derek brings a proven track record of fostering partnerships, leading strategic initiatives and advancing programs that have a meaningful impact in communities.

“As board chair, I am highly confident that the search committee has found the very best person to lead Healthy Learners into our next chapter,” said Dillon Chewning, Board Chair. “Derek embodies a spirit that reflects our mission and values.”

Derek joins Healthy Learners from South Carolina First Steps, where he served as Chief Partnership Officer, managing an annual budget of $28 million and leading a statewide team to support high-quality early childhood programs. His previous experience includes leadership roles with AARP Foundation, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and Heifer International, where he developed strong expertise in community partnerships, volunteer engagement, and program development.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Derek earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and is a Certified Volunteer Manager.

“I am honored to join Healthy Learners and lead such a dedicated team in advancing the organization’s mission,” said Derek Cromwell. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and working together to ensure that all children across South Carolina can thrive.”

Gwen Walker - Lowcountry
Gwen brings over 20 years of experience with Healthy Learners to this new leadership role, having faithfully served as the student services coordinator for the Lowcountry since 2005. Prior to her work with Healthy Learners, Gwen worked for Allendale County Schools for 15 years as a paraprofessional and five years as a parent educator with Allendale County First Steps. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

About Healthy Learners
As a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, Healthy Learners is on a mission to transform the futures of children in poverty in South Carolina. Research has proven that education is the key for children to achieve greater success in life, empowering them to secure higher-wage jobs, make informed life choices, and invest in their future communities to make them stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. For many children in poverty, their educational success is at risk because of fixable health care challenges that have not been addressed – known as Health Barriers to Learning. Healthy Learners was created to address these challenges head on and serve as the catalyst to ensure every child receives the health care they need to thrive in school.

For more information, visit www.healthylearners.com