A native of Western Massachusetts, Derek is a 1996 graduate of Agawam High School and a 2000 graduate of Curry College.  

Upon graduation, Derek spent two years working for Massachusetts State Senate Minority Leader Senator Brian Lees as his Executive Assistant.  Prior to becoming a full-time real estate agent for Benton Real Estate Company, he was the Sales Manager for deRenzy Document Solutions in West Springfield marketing business equipment to area businesses.

Derek is the newest member of the Curry College National Alumni Council, an alumni board focused on supporting Curry College by providing leadership and direction to the Curry College Annual Fund.  The 20 member Council meets annually on campus and participates in a number of events throughout the year.  

Derek's commitment to the community stems from a long family history of involvement.  He is a fourth generation Rotarian and has been an active member of the Rotary Club of West Springfield since 2002.  In 2001, he became a significant role model and mentor to a young man as part of Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.  He serves as a member of the Allocations Committee of the Community United Way of the Pioneer Valley and on the board of the Berkshire Power Community Allocations Committee.  Having had a childhood disability, he has taken great pride in being a volunteer in the Child Life Department at Shriners
Children's Hospital in Springfield.  Derek is also a Master Masons and a member of The Melha Shriners.