Derek’s professional background is both diverse and people-centered. His career experience includes roles as a videographer for Fox 11 News (KMSB), a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, a county corrections officer, and positions in marketing, public relations, and management across several nonprofit organizations. He currently serves as the Assistant Aquatics Director at the YMCA of the Oranges in Hardyston, New Jersey.

Derek has a strong record of volunteer leadership and governance. He served six years on the Board of Directors for Family Promise of Sussex County (NJ), including three and a half years as Vice President. Family Promise supports individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness by empowering them to achieve stability and long-term housing security. He has also served on the Sparta Recreation Committee (NJ) and the Student Advisory Council at Colorado State University–Global Campus.

In his free time, Derek has appeared on numerous podcasts, including a particularly meaningful podcast involving a man he once supervised during his time as a county corrections officer. What began as a professional relationship within the jail walls gradually developed into a lasting friendship built on mutual respect. Today, that individual remains a close friend of Derek who attended his wedding in September of 2023.

Derek currently lives in Morris County, New Jersey, with his wife. Together, they are pursuing private adoption and hope to welcome a newborn child into their family within the coming year.