Derrick’s leadership skills and strong public policy background make him an effective and efficient advocate when assisting clients with government and regulatory affairs. Drawing from his combined experience working with legislative and regulatory matters, Derrick guides his clients through the complexities of the social, economic, and political landscape of government.
Prior to joining Shumaker Advisors, Derrick spent nearly two decades with the government relations and lobbying firm New Visions Group, where he started as Vice President and Partner in 2004, and moved into the position of CEO when he acquired the firm in 2014.
Derrick’s previous experience also includes serving as Midwest Political Director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Ohio State Director for the Gore-Lieberman 2000 Presidential Campaign, a member of the historic Florida Recount Committee, and Executive Director of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC), among other leadership roles.
Guided by the principles of accountability, responsibility, focus, and teamwork, Derrick’s passion for business and politics dates back to his days as president of the Undergraduate Student Government at the University of Akron.
A graduate of the University of Akron, Derrick is a registered lobbyist and is affiliated with the Ohio Lobbying Association and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is a regular political commentator on WOSU’s Columbus on the Record and WCMH NBC 4’s The Spectrum television programs.
A resident of Columbus, Derrick enjoys cooking, golf, music, traveling, and, spending time with his wife Sydnee and their children Kennedy, Kole, and Ethan.
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