Derek was born just outside of Boston, MA, but considers himself a native Californian. He grew up in Novato and attended the Presbyterian Church of Novato. He spent summers camping at Westminster Woods. At Westminster Woods after his high school freshmen year, he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He has been a camper, a volunteer counselor and a summer staff member at Westminster Woods. He graduated from San Marin High School, still has his lettermen’s jacket, and can still sing his high school fight song.

He attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. for two years, then transferred to Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington where he majored in history. After college, Derek traveled through Europe for six weeks. He came back to attend the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Upon graduating from Seminary he went on a trip with Athletes in Action to Germany to share the gospel.

When he finished Seminary, Derek moved to Florida to accept his first call as an Associate Pastor of Youth and Families in Fort Myers, Florida. He then moved to First Presbyterian Naples to serve as the Associate Executive Pastor. Later, he served First Presbyterian of Fort Myers as the Temporary Stated Supply Pastor.  He served as Interim Associate Pastor at Center Point Community church in Naples before accepting the call to join us here at Covenant Community Church.

Derek likes to run, bike, and swim. He also loves to snow ski and thinks Vail a great place to ski. He looks forward to hiking and camping in California.  He enjoys movies, and thinks the new Star Trek movie is the best movie he has seen this summer. He enjoys reading. Some of his favorite authors are Max Lucado, Tom Clancy, C.S. Lewis, and John Grisham. He loves Jelly Belly Sours, Diet Pepsi Lime, pizza, and ice cream. He can’t wait to eat at In & Out, Chevy’s, and Round Table Pizza.