Derek Kerr is US Airways' senior vice president, chief financial officer. He joined America West in April 1996 as senior director, planning. He was promoted to vice president financial planning and analysis in May 1998. In February 2002, Kerr was promoted to senior vice president, finance, adding responsibility for purchasing and fuel administration. Kerr was elected senior vice president, chief financial officer in September 2002. He is responsible for US Airways' corporate finance, financial planning and analysis, accounting, purchasing and investor relations, as well as the airline's corporate real estate (properties and facilities) functions. Prior to joining America West, Kerr served in various financial planning and analysis positions with Northwest Airlines. Previously, Kerr was a flight test coordinator/control engineer with Northrop Corporation's B-2 Division. Kerr has won several financial management awards and most recently was named Arizona's Chief Financial Officer of the Year by the Arizona Chapter of Financial Executive International (FEI). Kerr was selected from a field of nominees throughout Arizona, who realized significant achievements in finance and accounting. Kerr was recognized for his critical role in the merger of US Airways and America West, and his stewardship has helped the new airline build unprecedented financial stability. Kerr has a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering and an MBA in finance, both from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He currently sits on the Phoenix Zoo Board of Directors and participates in alumni activities associated with the University of Michigan. He and his wife Carolyn have two children and reside in Scottsdale, Ariz.