Derek, originally from Mesa, Arizona, has been a full-time resident of Flower Mound, Texas, for 11 years. He has been married for 24 years to his wife, Amanda, and they have three adult children. 

Derek has dedicated his life to government service, starting as a police officer in Arizona for nearly seven years. He then spent 14 years in the defense sector, working abroad for much of that time. In 2017, he and his wife founded Cross Timbers Consulting Group, where he currently serves as President and CEO.

In June 2021, Derek was elected to a three-year term as Mayor of the Town of Flower Mound. In addition to his duties with the Town, Derek dedicates his time to the community through philanthropy and volunteering, serving on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Denton County, as an Orion District Committee Member of the Boy Scouts of America, and as a member of Cross Timbers Rotary Club.