RADM Deirdre Presley
⭐ Board of Directors
Board President (Chair) — The Empathy & Resilience Center, Inc.
RDML Diedre N. Presley
MHA · MHRD · Certified Professional Executive Coach
Rear Admiral • Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service • Deputy Assistant Director, DHS ICE Health Service Corps • Healthcare Executive • Military Leader
DP
Rear Admiral (RDML)
Diedre N. Presley
MHA · MHRD
Board President (Chair)
Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service
Deputy Asst. Director, DHS ICE Health Service Corps
$330M+ Healthcare Budget Oversight
Chief Professional Officer, Health Services Category
Certified Professional Executive Coach
B.A. Psychology — Spelman College
Board Member Profile
Distinguished Leadership in Service of Community
Rear Admiral Diedre N. Presley is a distinguished healthcare executive, military leader, and public health professional whose career has been dedicated to advancing health equity, workforce development, leadership excellence, and service to communities across the nation. She currently serves as Deputy Assistant Director for Administration and Management for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's ICE Health Service Corps, where she oversees a healthcare system budget exceeding $330 million.
As an Assistant Surgeon General in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, RDML Presley has provided strategic leadership in workforce development, operational readiness, and organizational transformation. Her extensive experience includes overseeing large-scale healthcare initiatives, supporting military readiness programs, leading disaster response and border health missions, and advising senior federal leaders on policy, recruitment, and professional development for healthcare professionals nationwide.
As Board President, RDML Presley leads with a focus on ethical governance, community trust, and mission-centered service delivery — ensuring TERC maintains strong compliance practices while expanding services that uplift communities impacted by stress, trauma, and social hardship.
She also served as Vice Chair of the Surgeon General's Policy Advisory Council, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to public service and mentoring future generations of healthcare leaders. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Spelman College, a Master of Health Services Management, and a Master of Human Resources Development from Webster University, and is a Certified Professional Executive Coach.
"Leadership is about developing people, strengthening systems, and creating opportunities for others to thrive."
— RDML Diedre N. Presley
Areas of Expertise
Healthcare Administration & Operations
Strategic Planning & Organizational Leadership
Workforce Development & Talent Management
Public Health & Health Equity
Military & Veteran Health Systems
Executive Coaching & Leadership Development
Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Response
Governance & Organizational Excellence
Meet the Full Board of Directors
TERC is governed by a team of dedicated professionals committed to mission integrity, ethical leadership, and community impact.
