Derek L. Billups

Derrick Billups is a resident of Woodlawn and a proud Woodlawn High School Alum. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa and possesses master's degrees from Samford University in Divinity and the University of Alabama Birmingham in Instructional Leadership. He has 15 years of professional work experience as an educator while serving in various roles including classroom instructor, coach, and school administrator.

Derrick has worked in public school districts across the Jefferson County area including Birmingham City, Jefferson County, and Hoover City schools. His experience serving in these districts has provided insights into the necessary components of high-performing school systems. Most recently, Derrick served as the Education Director for a community-based, nonprofit organization to comprehensively address the systemic effects of poverty within a community, while prioritizing areas of critical need such as education, housing, and community wellness. In this role, Derrick was responsible for developing and directing all education-related initiatives for the organization including early childhood to adult programming.

Derrick has been heavily involved in the community and youth-related activities. He has served on numerous advisory boards and volunteers frequently with area churches and organizations. His involvement includes the Youth Leadership Development Program, Youth Leadership Forum, South Side Baseball, Church of the Highlands Dream Center, Hope Street Ministries, Advent Day School, and Woodlawn Neighborhood Association.

Derrick is married to his loving wife of 20 years Tarana and is the proud parent of a daughter, Taryn, and a son, Ethan.