Derek Gard Receives Top Honor from Brotherhood Mutual

Derek Gard worked for 16 years in world missions and as an executive at Brotherhood Mutual. In 2024, he transitioned to becoming an agent, and in his first full year with us, he was awarded Brotherhood Mutual’s award for Rookie of the Year! 

For Derek, the award is a reflection of a high-achieving career built entirely around service, empathy, and deep knowledge of his field. 

From the Missions to Insurance 

Derek’s journey to becoming Bitner Henry’s Mission-Sending Organization (MSO) practice leader began when his family spent four years living and working on the ground as missionaries in the Dominican Republic. 

During his time on the international mission field, Derek experienced firsthand the daily logistical and safety challenges that ministries face. He noticed a glaring gap: many passionate, world-changing ministries were operating without the highly specialized insurance needed to truly protect their people, assets, and unique calling. Some of these ministries were so vulnerable that a single disaster could wipe out the funds they needed for months. 

When he returned to the United States, Derek realized he could combine his direct ministry experience with professional risk management. Driven by a deep desire to protect the international faith community, he spent a decade working exclusively with churches and nonprofits at Brotherhood Mutual, alongside four years serving within a mission-sending organization. 

“I think it’s just a heart for them, an understanding, and a desire to want to serve them,” Derek shares. “We want to be profitable and do all those things, but it’s deeper than that. I’ve given the majority of my adult life to the mission-sending community.” 

What Derek Is Doing These Days 

Today, Derek serves as a Sales Executive supporting ministries nationwide. In his first year with Bitner Henry, he has gone far beyond standard client meetings to truly advocate for the MSO and NGO communities.  

Recognizing that international regulations and specialized insurance concepts can be incredibly complex to navigate alone, Derek launched a dedicated, once-monthly newsletter. Through this initiative, called the Launchpad, he provides practical risk management insights, timely policy updates, and operational guidance directly to international ministry leaders.  

When he isn’t working with MSOs, Derek can usually be found at a local basketball court. His greatest personal joy is watching his children play basketball and witnessing their hard work pay off. 

Derek’s blend of real-world missionary experience, a decade of specialized church insurance knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to service makes him an invaluable asset to our team and the ministries we serve. In his first year alone, Derek has written large policies that serve ministries around the globe. 

Last year, we at Bitner Henry Insurance Group celebrated as Bobby Siska won Brotherhood Mutual’s Rookie of the Year award. This year, we are delighted that Derek has won it! 

Please join us in celebrating Derek’s well-earned achievement as Brotherhood Mutual’s “Rookie” of the Year! 

Are you a ministry or mission-sending organization looking to ensure your global initiatives are fully protected? You can connect with Derek, request a quote, or sign up for his monthly insurance newsletter right here on our website.