Hileman Recognized by Executive Peer Group as 2023 Vistage Leadership Award Winner

DES MOINES, Iowa (November 7, 2023) – Derek Hileman, president of Waldinger Service, was recently recognized by a group of fellow executives with the 2023 Vistage Leadership Award. The award is given annually to Vistage members who, “make a discernible difference that reverberates far beyond their business.”  

Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize business leaders. Hileman was recognized by the Kansas City market, where he has been a member since 2018.  

“It was an honor to be nominated by my fellow members, whom I have great respect for and have learned so much from,” said Hileman. “While this award is a reflection of my own leadership journey, it’s also a reflection of the tremendous leaders, mentors, and coaches that I’ve had the opportunity to learn from on every step of that journey.”  

More than 100 CEOs, presidents, and business owners qualified for nomination in the Leadership Awards category in the greater Kansas City market. Twelve finalists were identified and presented to a group of Vistage Chairs in New York. These independent Chairs made the final selection, choosing Hileman as the Leadership Award recipient in the Kansas City market for 2023. 

“Derek is a thoughtful and considerate leader who consistently puts the needs of his team ahead of his own,” said Jon Koehn, CEO of The Waldinger Corporation. “He has led the Waldinger Service division through a period of tremendous growth and expansion, and we would not have been able to do it nearly as well without his calm and steady influence. I know I am joined by many within Waldinger when I say congratulations to Derek on this well-deserved honor.”   

Hileman joined The Waldinger Corporation in 2012, serving in various leadership roles in the Kansas City service branch before being promoted to president of Waldinger Service in 2022. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s degree from Webster University. Prior to his time at The Waldinger Corporation, he served in the United States Army, advancing to the rank of Captain. 

When asked about what excited him most about his leadership journey, Hileman said, “I can make a positive impact in all the lives of our people every day by inspiring them to win and creating opportunities for them to grow as the company grows.”