As we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary, we recently sat down with Derick Hutchinson, senior director of Salesforce at College Possible, to learn more about his role and the work he is doing across the organization.
“There’s a common sentiment among all of our clients—they say our system enables them to do more, to be better, and to reach that next level. CoPilot helps them become more efficient by identifying students who might be struggling, and coaching them through those moments, showing them they can persevere and thrive,” says Derick Hutchinson. For him, helping students feel empowered on their educational journey is more than a job—it’s a mission that changes lives.
“I love helping students find their future,” he adds. “It’s such an important way to shift their life trajectory, and it keeps me passionate about what I contribute every day.”
At the heart of Hutchinson’s role is CoPilot, College Possible’s industry-leading student information system, powered by Salesforce. “CoPilot gives coaches and partners a full 360° view of each student’s academic, financial and social progress,” Derick explains. “By making it easier to track and act on this information, we ensure students get the support they need at the right time, and staff can focus on what matters most: helping students succeed.
With Derick’s leadership, College Possible now has more than 50 partners using CoPilot to make data-driven decisions to best support students. Through robust partnerships with organizations such as Texas Education Agency, Rockford Promise, and multiple school districts across the nation, College Possible indirectly supports more than 400,000 students annually.
“Derick’s leadership and guidance in implementing CoPilot have been transformational for us,” said Chandar Robertson, senior program manager at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee.
Robertson continued, “His ability to lead a team that translates complex data systems into actionable tools has allowed programs like ours to truly see the full story behind each student. Because of his support, we can make faster, smarter, and more holistic decisions that strengthen how we serve students from high school enrollment through college graduation.”
Over his four years at College Possible, Hutchinson has seen the organization grow in transformative and collaborative ways. “It hasn’t always been easy,” he reflects, “but I’ve seen leaders step up, tackle tough challenges, and help stabilize support for students across the country.”
Hutchinson is advancing College Possible’s innovation with purpose. He’s using AI tools to enhance the student experience and equip coaches with more effective systems, enabling the organization to scale support and reach more students. “AI is evolving rapidly,” he says. “My goal is to harness the best it has to offer to strengthen our work while maintaining security and keeping a human-centered approach.”
Hutchinson has played a pivotal role in the development of Coach Possible, a student success and access solution that integrates AI technologies into student-coach interactions, making them more seamless and reducing administrative burdens and allowing coaches to concentrate on engaging directly with students. Hutchinson was recently invited to join a community of practice focused on hybrid advising models, hosted by Project Evident. Through his participation, Hutchinson is able to share his AI experience while also learning from others.
Hutchinson is clear about what making college possible means to him: “I want all students to know they can achieve their goals, no matter their background or circumstances.”
And his advice to students? “Stop worrying about the end. Set a goal and work toward it, but don’t let it consume you. Live in the moment, and be open to pivoting along the way.”
Hutchinson’s dedication is just one example of the passion and perseverance that have fueled College Possible for 25 years and will continue to shape the next 25. By combining transformative technology, such as CoPilot and Coach Possible, with individual guidance and unwavering support, the organization continues to help students unlock opportunities and achieve their dreams.
More about Derick Hutchinson
Derick Hutchinson is the senior director of Salesforce at College Possible, overseeing all aspects of the CoPilot platform. He manages a team of customer success managers who support a $1 million portfolio of school districts, non-profits and scholarship providers, helping organizations track and use student success data effectively. Derick also leads a team of Salesforce administrators who maintain all College Possible Salesforce products and related tools, including FormAssembly, Mogli, and Marketing Cloud, ensuring the organization’s technology operates smoothly and supports its mission.
Connect with Derick on LinkedIn.
