Co-Chairs Dr. Courtney Derderian & Nina Sachse Lead The Way To This Year’s Successful Event

Portrait photography by Tamytha Cameron

In Dallas, few philanthropic traditions shine as brightly or have as much impact as the legendary Cattle Baron’s Ball, the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. This year, the reins are in the capable hands of Dr. Courtney Derderian and Nina Sachse, two dynamic women whose professional expertise and personal passions uniquely position them to lead the charge for the event on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Our Lance Avery Morgan caught up with them to learn more about the personality behind their vision.

Dr. Derderian, an anesthesiologist at Children’s Health℠ and an Associate Professor at UT Southwestern, brings a physician’s perspective to the mission: the urgent pursuit of lifesaving cancer research and support for families navigating treatment. Her daily work reminds her of the vital need for continued breakthroughs and compassionate care, values that echo in every dollar raised at the Ball.

Her co-chair, Nina Sachse, a top-producing real estate agent with the Rhodes Group at Compass, brings a different but equally powerful skill set: a deep knowledge of Dallas’s community fabric and a talent for connecting people with causes that matter. With her ability to bring networks together and rally support, Sachse ensures that the reach of the big event extends far beyond the dance floor.

Together, Derderian and Sachse are not only curating an unforgettable evening, they are steering an event with purpose, aligning their talents and determination with the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives, celebrate survivors, and ultimately, end cancer as we know it. Guests can expect a superb performance by Post Malone as part of the evening’s festivities.

So, here’s an up-close and personal look at the dynamic duo…

The best career advice I’ve received is..

Dr. Courtney Derderian: When choosing a medical specialty, a mentor shared the advice to do what you will never be upset about getting woken up in the middle of the night for. I followed his advice and have zero regrets about my choice, pediatric anesthesiology.

Nina Sachse: Build authentic relationships-people remember how you made them feel.

Three qualities that got me to where I am today are..

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Hard work, emotional intelligence, and a healthy dose of luck.

Nina Sachse: Authenticity, perseverance, and kindness.

Easiest career decision I ever made is…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Choosing a pediatric subspecialty, working with kids has brought me so much joy and positivity, even on the hardest days.

Nina Sachse: The easiest career decision I ever made was joining The Rhodes Group. Having support, collaboration, and shared knowledge has not only helped me grow professionally but also allows me to deliver the very best experience for my clients.

Due to my ongoing involvement with the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, I have found that..

Dr. Courtney Derderian: The success of this event comes from the entire community and incredibly loyal supporters. I also have an appreciation for all the hard work that the Chairs and committee members have put into this event for the last 51 years.

Nina Sachse: The Dallas Cattle Baron’s Ball is a very special community of volunteers, loyal sponsors, and supporters. The passion, people, and purpose unite us to create a lasting impact.

Chairing the Cattle Baron’s Ball is…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: An honor and an experience I will never forget. Taking Nina Sachse’s friendship with me after is the best part.

Nina Sachse: Co-chairing CBB with my dear friend, Courtney Derderian has been an extraordinary experience and such an honor.

What guests can expect to see at the Cattle Baron’s Ball this year is…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Guests can expect a similar event structure to last year’s, featuring a VIP show and live auction. Additionally, we’re very excited about some additional outdoor activations and photo-ops.

Nina Sachse: The best western fashion, great food and drinks, amazing photo ops, silent and live auction, paddle raise, glam room, casino, and great music.

In a word, the Cattle Baron’s Ball to me means..

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Growth.

Nina Sachse: Hope.

How I made my first dollar..

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Serving up the saddest-looking ice cream cones at Dairy Queen. My parents have photo documentation.

Nina Sachse: I worked at a clothing boutique in my hometown, Peoria, IL. I’m sure I spent my paycheck on clothes at the store.

First music I bought was..

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Paula Abdul. With songs you could dance to, and bangers before I knew what a banger was.

Nina Sachse: New Kids on the Block.

Last thing I binge/marathon watched..

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Shrinking. Harrison Ford can do no wrong.

Nina Sachse: The Bear.

Book that left a lasting impression on me..

Dr. Courtney Derderian: The Alchemist.

Nina Sachse: The Age of Magical Overthinking.

On that note, my favorite fictional character is..

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice.

Nina Sachse: Carrie Bradshaw.

My real-life hero has got to be…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: My Dad. He had a career in military intelligence, and as the eldest daughter I am a total Dad’s girl.

Nina Sachse: Though she is no longer with me, my mom is my forever hero and is a constant source of love, guidance, and strength.

If I lived in a foreign city, it would be…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Paris.

Nina Sachse: Florence.

What everyone should try in their lifetime is…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Say yes to something that scares you.

Nina Sachse: Pursue a dream.

If I could compete in an Olympic sport, or create one, it would be…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Speed texting.

Nina Sachse: Diving.

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be a…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: We’ve established this year that if medicine doesn’t work out, I would be an event planner.

Nina Sachse: An interior designer.

A celebrity I would prank phone call is…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Kristen Bell. She has a great sense of humor and clearly enjoys pranks, given her marriage to Dax Shepard.

Nina Sachse: Nate Bargatze.

My hidden talent that most people might not guess is…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: I am an excellent driver.

Nina Sachse: I love to organize.

If I had a superpower, I’d want it to be…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: To create more hours in the day.

Nina Sachse: Stress eraser.

A simple way to get people to laugh is easy. Just…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Speak in a Boston accent. My husband grew up in Rhode Island, so his accent is extremely convincing.

Nina Sachse: Smiles start with laughter, and laughter is contagious.

A phrase I might overuse would be…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: You see what I mean? And I use the word like too often.

Nina Sachse: So fun!

My motto? Easy. It is…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Treat others the way you’d like to see your family treated.

Nina Sachse: Lead with kindness.

Favorite scent these days is (because)…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Coco Chanel No. 5. It’s what my mom wears.

Nina Sachse: Ex Nihilo’s Lust in Paradise. It makes me happy.

My style icon is..

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Lauren Santo Domingo, the co-founder of Moda Operandi, is so chic and effortless.

Nina Sachse: Jennifer Lawrence.

My personal style signifier is…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Vintage accessories and, in the past few years, a little western flair.

Nina Sachse: Timeless with a little edge.

The classic designer I wish was still designing today would be…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Alexander McQueen.

Nina Sachse: Christian Dior.

The last meal that truly impressed me was…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Mama’s Fish House in Maui. There’s nothing like fresh fish.

Nina Sachse: The filet at Georgie is my favorite.

In my fridge, you will always find…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Milk, because who drinks coffee black?

Nina Sachse: Chocolate.

My perfect day would end…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Watching an old movie with my husband and kids snuggled on our couch.

Nina Sachse: Movie night with family and popcorn.

The title of my autobiography will likely be…

Dr. Courtney Derderian: Better in Person.

Nina Sachse: Recharge Required.