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, WideNet, which he managed alongside his business partner for 9 years, prior to selling his half.  He also spent time working as an investment advisor.

In addition to his client-centric roles with KC&A, Derek 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 was the 95th president of the Rotary Club of Anniston (AL) and has served as a vice-president of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, where he remains an active member.  He is currently the Secretary of the American Foundry Society’s Talent Development Division Committee based in greater Chicago 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 and is a past board member of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. He volunteers with American Legion Alabama Boys State, a youth citizenship program.

Derek lives in Birmingham, Alabama and grew up in rural Toadvine, Alabama.