Howard Derman joined Apria Healthcare as senior vice president, human resources in December 2007 and was promoted to his current position of executive vice president, human resources in November 2008. Howard has executive oversight for all company human resource functions, including acquisition integration, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, training and development, human capital planning, employee relations, HRIS, payroll and labor relations.

Prior to joining Apria Healthcare, Howard held executive positions with both private and public companies, including serving as vice president, human resources for 99¢ Only Stores, a $1.5 billion, 12,000 employee, publicly-traded discount retailer and multi-state operator of 250 stores; senior vice president, human resources and administration for Gensia-Sicor Laboratories, a $500 million dollar manufacturer of generic liquid pharmaceuticals. In addition, he served as senior vice president, human resources for NBTY, Inc., a $2 billion, 20,000 employee leading global manufacturer and marketer of nutritional supplements.

Howard holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Purdue University and, in March 2008, was named "Human Resources Executive of the Year" by the Orange County Chapter of the National Human Resources Association.