Derek Oddo | Edwards, IL
Marketing & CRM Manager | Prairie Home Alliance
Driven by a passion for visual storytelling, Derek Oddo is the Marketing & CRM Manager for Prairie Home Alliance. His branding and design work began in college when he won a contest to help brand the Bradley student section after the basketball team’s Sweet 16 run. He took a job in the Bradley Athletics Department and was named Intern of the Year.
After graduating, instead of returning to the Chicago suburbs where he grew up, Derek remained in Peoria and founded marketing firm Gainlight Studios. He expanded and deepened his visual storytelling skills, helping companies and individuals promote their brands.
In 2023, Derek began the monumental task of leading the design and build out of the websites for all ten Prairie Home Alliance member companies. His current focus is leading PHA's transition to a new CRM.
As a child, Derek experienced periods of need while also seeing the selflessness of his family and neighbors. “Witnessing others give selflessly to us in challenging periods without expectation of return instilled a deep desire to someday pay it forward.”
Derek pays it forward through his service in several community organizations. He joined Kiwanis in his early 20s and initiated the Annie Jo Gordon School snack pack program which still sends over 200 bags of food home with students to ensure they have food over the weekend. He’s currently the President of the Peoria Heights Kiwanis Club which hosts an annual bike rodeo to help children prepare for bike season. Derek organized the Washington Strong T-Shirt campaign to raise funds for the victims of the 2013 Tornado. He serves on the board of the Peoria Friendship House and the Independent Sports Club and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Teri Cook appreciates Derek’s strong commitment to community service, noting “Derek has a talent for bringing people together and inspiring others to give back.”
“It is people caring for people, with an expectation of zero personal return, where the most good is done.”
Derek’s leadership is felt in his family as well. “Recently, Derek's older sister passed away at the age of 42,” recounts his wife, Stephanie. “While grieving, he led the family through one of the toughest things they have ever been through.” In the wake of this loss, Derek and Stephanie opened their home to their 23-year-old nephew who has special needs.
“My life is anchored by my family and the true gift they all are,” writes Derek of his wife Stephanie, daughter Lilianna and nephew, Noah. “There is simply no better place than to be sharing time with those you love and those you elect to love.”