Derek was named president of KC&A in August 2021, as longtime firm president Dr. Ken Chapman assumed the role of Senior Partner and Founder.

Derek initially joined KC&A in 2012. Previously, he was a partner in a  startup tech company, which he managed alongside his business partner for 9 years, prior to selling his half.  He also spent time working as an investment advisor.

Derek also hosts KC&A’s Brain Chatter podcast.

He is a graduate of Samford University, is a member of the Alabama Leadership Initiative’s Class of 2008, and holds a certificate in Longevity Training from the University of Southern California.

Derek is the past president of the Rotary Club of Anniston (AL) and a vice-president of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, where he remains an active member.  He is a current member of the American Foundry Society’s Talent Development Division Committee and is a past Assistant District Governor for Rotary International in District 6860. Derek is past Chair of the nonpartisan Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama’s Roundtable.  He was a member of the 2007 class of Leadership Calhoun County. He volunteers Rotary and American Legion Alabama Boys State, a youth citizenship program.

Derek lives in Birmingham, Alabama.