Meet Our Trainers

Derek is an educator, coach and political professional based in Madison, WI. After working for the Iowa Democratic Party during the 2018 campaign cycle, he served on staff for Congresswoman Cindy Axne from Iowa's 3rd District. Prior to that, Derek was a high school social studies teacher and administrator and earned a Master's Degree in Education in 2017. A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Derek entered politics in 2006 as a volunteer in the effort to pass marriage equality in Wisconsin and has advocated for Democratic candidates, teacher's unions and progressive movements ever since including campaigns in Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, Florida, and North Carolina. When not teaching, training, or knocking doors, he enjoys playing rugby, distance running, and coaching youth wrestling.