Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Admin
Derek firmly believes in the motto “once family, always family,” and his career serves as compelling evidence of this belief.
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In September 2022, Derek made his return to Arizona’s Family as the anchor for the 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. newscasts, reuniting with the station where he had previously reported and anchored memorable news stories in the mid-2010s.
He is elated to be back in the vibrant Valley of the Sun, working alongside Arizona’s esteemed team of journalists. From 2015 to 2019, Derek traversed the state for Arizona’s Family, covering a wide range of topics, from the search for a serial killer to downtown protests that led to a scandal involving the Phoenix police. He also provided occasional live reports for CNN and HLN.
One of Derek’s proudest accomplishments was receiving a regional Emmy and an award from the Arizona Education Association for his investigative reports on conflicts of interest within the Scottsdale Unified School District. As a result of his reporting, four administrators resigned, and state laws pertaining to school spending were revised. Derek was even invited to testify in the Arizona State Senate about his investigative work on the state’s medical marijuana industry.
In 2019, Derek joined ABC 10News in San Diego as an anchor and reporter, marking his second stint in “America’s Finest City.” At KGTV, he held various roles, including Live Center Anchor and primary news anchor. Derek also established a long-form storytelling brand called “In-Depth,” which delved into nuanced topics. He trained colleagues in the techniques of “In-Depth” storytelling, and the brand became a model for 60 television stations nationwide.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Derek embarked on his reporting career in 2010 at the ABC affiliate in Madison, WI, after graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Southern California. His interest in TV news can be traced back to his parents, who were discerning news viewers and had extensive careers in the entertainment industry. Derek’s mother served as a backup singer for Grammy-winning R&B artist Lou Rawls, while his father performed sketch comedy at Chicago’s renowned Second City theater alongside John Candy and Bill Murray before pursuing acting and screenwriting.
After his initial journalism experience in Madison, Derek resided in San Diego from 2011 to 2015, reporting for San Diego 6 the CW. He rose to the positions of weekend anchor and investigative reporter during that time. Derek earned his first regional Emmy for his coverage of wildfires and established a reporting partnership with the U.S. Marshals, leading to the apprehension of numerous violent felons. He also broke significant stories related to the Mayor Bob Filner scandal, with his investigative efforts being highlighted in an article by UT San Diego.
During his leisure time, Derek enjoys golfing, hiking, and supporting his beloved USC Trojans. He also maintains his passion for music, occasionally playing the drums in a rock cover band. Derek’s involvement in the Trojan Marching Band’s drumline, where he played quads, nurtured his musical interests, although he now mostly plays an electronic drum kit to considerate of his neighbors.