Derek Coats
I bring two decades of public service and campaign leadership to the table, helping clients navigate the intersection of government and politics. I’m committed to delivering results that make a real impact for Missouri.
Derek Coats is a seasoned political and public affairs professional with over two decades of experience in government and campaign leadership. He currently serves KBS as Principal and Director of Missouri Operations.
From 2001 to 2011, Derek served as District Office Director for U.S. Senator Kit Bond. He later joined the office of U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, where he held the role of Deputy Chief of Staff from 2011 to 2023. In both positions, Derek played a key role in securing and managing federally allocated funding for critical Missouri-based projects.
Following his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Derek transitioned to campaign leadership, taking on the role of Campaign Manager for Governor Mike Kehoe’s gubernatorial campaign. His strategic direction and deep understanding of Missouri’s political landscape were instrumental in the campaign’s success.
Based in Jefferson City, Derek leads client engagements throughout the Midwest and Washington, D.C. He continues to serve as a trusted campaign consultant, providing high-level strategic counsel to political leaders across Missouri.
Derek holds a degree in Political Science from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. He lives in Columbia with his wife, Kellie Ann, and their son, Carter.