About Derek Carter, Founder & CEO of Intentional Dad™

Derek Carter is the visionary leader of Intentional Dad™. The father of five believes all dads need to strive to be intentional to connect with their children—both young and old. He has worked with families in crisis for over thirty years.
He is the Administrative Director of the Strong Fathers of Forestdale in Queens, NY, where he helps fathers connect with their children. Prior to joining Forestdale, Derek worked for thirty years with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services. During that time Derek worked in various areas within ACS including the Family Preservation Program. Derek also served as ACS representative in the Brooklyn Fatherhood Coalition, the ACS Speaker’s Bureau and trained staff in various areas. He last served as Director of Field Operations in the Division of Child Protection.
Derek is active in the national and local homeschool community, having once served as the regional representative for the New York State Loving Education at Home, In that capacity, he meet with support groups and helped implement policy to increase homeschool awareness. He is also serves on the board of trustees of Sandy Cove Ministry and recently as the Committee Chairperson of the Governance.
Derek received his BA in Urban Studies from Queens College and a MPA, in Urban Policy and Administration, from Brooklyn College. Derek is the author of several books including Having a Presence in His Absence. A Guide for Intentional Fathering. He has co-authored a marriage journaling series and has created the “Dead Space Question” card game.
Derek is an ordained minister and serves in his local church: where he spearheads marriage ministry, in addition to teaching. He is also the co-founder of Foundations for Family Success, a ministry dedicated to helping families establish legacy and practical communication skills.
In his spare time Derek enjoys spending time with his wife, children, friends and an assortment of household pets. He enjoys bicycling, reading, jogging and relishing in the thought of one day beating his young sons’ at one-on-one basketball.
Derek Carter is the visionary leader of Intentional Dad™. The father of five believes all dads need to strive to be intentional to connect with their children—both young and old. He has worked with families in crisis for over thirty years.
He is the Administrative Director of the Strong Fathers of Forestdale in Queens, NY, where he helps fathers connect with their children. Prior to joining Forestdale, Derek worked for thirty years with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services. During that time Derek worked in various areas within ACS including the Family Preservation Program. Derek also served as ACS representative in the Brooklyn Fatherhood Coalition, the ACS Speaker’s Bureau and trained staff in various areas. He last served as Director of Field Operations in the Division of Child Protection.
Derek is active in the national and local homeschool community, having once served as the regional representative for the New York State Loving Education at Home, In that capacity, he meet with support groups and helped implement policy to increase homeschool awareness. He is also serves on the board of trustees of Sandy Cove Ministry and recently as the Committee Chairperson of the Governance.
Derek received his BA in Urban Studies from Queens College and a MPA, in Urban Policy and Administration, from Brooklyn College. Derek is the author of several books including Having a Presence in His Absence. A Guide for Intentional Fathering. He has co-authored a marriage journaling series and has created the “Dead Space Question” card game.
Derek is an ordained minister and serves in his local church: where he spearheads marriage ministry, in addition to teaching. He is also the co-founder of Foundations for Family Success, a ministry dedicated to helping families establish legacy and practical communication skills.
In his spare time Derek enjoys spending time with his wife, children, friends and an assortment of household pets. He enjoys bicycling, reading, jogging and relishing in the thought of one day beating his young sons’ at one-on-one basketball.