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

Derek initially joined KC&A in 2011. 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, 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 on the board of Alabama Audubon, a statewide outdoor conservation nonprofit and is the Secretary of the American Foundry Society’s Talent Development Division Committee based in greater Chicago. He is a past Assistant District Governor for Rotary International in District 6860 and 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.