NP Strategy welcomes veteran communications professional Hope Derrick as Senior Advisor

NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm specializing in crisis, media, and public relations, has announced that veteran communications professional Hope Derrick has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor in its Columbia office. With more than 30 years of experience in journalism, politics, higher education, and community leadership, Derrick brings extensive expertise to NP Strategy and its clients across the Southeast.

“We are delighted to welcome Hope to NP Strategy,” said Amanda Loveday, CEO of NP Strategy. “Her decades of experience in communications combined with her leadership in both government and higher education will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our team across the Southeast.”

Derrick spent more than two decades leading communications for U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn, including four years in Washington, D.C. as Communications Director for the House Majority Whip’s office. She also advised University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides and managed strategic projects for USC Libraries. Most recently, she collaborated with Congressman Clyburn on his forthcoming book, The First Eight, which chronicles the lives of South Carolina’s first eight African American Congressmen.

“I am honored to join NP Strategy and work alongside such a talented team,” said Derrick. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how strong media relations can shape narratives and open doors. I look forward to leveraging that experience to help clients share their stories effectively, navigate complex challenges, and strengthen NP Strategy’s impact across the region.”

Beyond her professional career, Derrick has been deeply involved in the Columbia community. She has served with organizations including Leadership Columbia, the Columbia Housing Authority Development Board, Historic Columbia Foundation, and the James E. Clyburn Research & Scholarship Foundation.

A native of Birmingham, Derrick earned a degree in journalism from Boston University and later completed a master’s degree in library and information science at the University of South Carolina. She and her husband live in Columbia.

NP Strategy is a strategic communications firm composed of former journalists, communications professionals, political insiders, and public relations executives. The firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Maynard Nexsen, a national law firm with 600 attorneys across 31 locations. This affiliation provides NP Strategy with access to deep relationships across the United States.

For more information, visit www.npstrategy.com