Carmen M. Duckens is the Assistant Director of Operations with the Department of Neighborhoods. She is a seasoned public service professional with extensive experience in government operations, policy management, and customer service. She currently serves as the 311 Service Manager for the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods, where she leads a team dedicated to connecting residents with vital city services and information. In this role, she oversees daily operations, fosters interdepartmental collaboration, and implements initiatives that enhance service delivery and resident engagement.
Prior to joining the City’s Department of Neighborhoods, she held several leadership roles at Franklin County Job and Family Services, where she managed quality control, compliance, and policy development for a range of public assistance programs. Her work focused on driving operational efficiency, ensuring program integrity, and supporting organizational goals through data-informed decision-making.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts and Technology from Tennessee State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Franklin University. Known for her collaborative approach and results-driven mindset, she is committed to delivering responsive, inclusive, and effective public service.
Derek H. Anderson serves as the Assistant Director of Programs for the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods, where he leads strategic community engagement initiatives in the My Brother’s Keeper, the New American Program, the Commission on Black Girls, the Community Relations Commission, and Rise Up CBUS! along with advancing interdepartmental collaborations that enhance the quality of life for residents across Columbus. Derek’s leadership portfolio includes his service as Chairman of the Environmental Health Sciences Advisory Board for The Ohio State University College of Public Health, where he supported academic, research, and community health priorities. At the national level, Derek has contributed to the advancement of organizational culture, equity and workforce innovation through his service on the National Diversity Expertise Panel for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
A steadfast public servant in Central Ohio, Derek previously served as Chairman of the Franklin County Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board, guiding countywide behavioral health strategy, fiscal oversight and system-level partnerships. His leadership has been recognized widely, including his inclusion in Who’s Who in Black Columbus and his selection as a 40 Under 40 honoree by Rejuvenate Magazine. Most recently, Derek was honored by Morehouse College with induction into the Board of Sponsors of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, a distinction reserved for leaders who exemplify ethical courage, intellectual stewardship and a commitment to justice and global service. Derek is a proud member of the Ohio Association of Commodores, one of the state’s highest honors for civic leadership. He is a graduate fellow of the State of Ohio’s Premier Leadership Development Program, Leadership Ohio, and a fellow of the African American Leadership Academy. In addition, he is a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and earned a Masters in Leadership and Doctor of Ministry Degree from Payne Theological Seminary.