About Derek

Derek Kirk is a millennial, engagement expert, community advocate and proud Californian.

Derek currently serves as a Senior Business Development Specialist with the California Governor's Office of Business & Economic Development. In this capacity, he is responsible for supporting businesses interested in coming to, expanding, or staying in California. As well, he supports communities in their journeys to becoming equitable places for all their residents.

He has previously served as the Director of Community Engagement & Advocacy for Visit SLO CAL^®, the San Luis Obispo County destination marketing and management organization. In that role, Derek was responsible for industry advocacy, economic development, and the organization's partner and community engagement. He also participated in local message planning and business support initiatives.

In addition, Derek has served as the President & CEO — Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, Director of Community & Government Relations — North Orange County Chamber of Commerce and Alumni Communications Coordinator for his alma mater, Point Loma Nazarene University.

Derek is a founding Board Member of REACH Central Coast, a super-regional economic development organization promoting job growth and long-term regional sustainability. He has also been a member and Chair of the CalTravel Government Relations Committee, the Western Association of Chamber Executives — Emerging Leaders Council, the Joya Scholars — Board of Directors, the Fullerton College Foundation — Board of Directors, the Linked Learning Alliance — Council of Employers, and the Cal Poly SLO President's Local Economic Development Council.

Derek has a Master of Arts in Social Justice & Community Organizing from Prescott College and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Women's Studies from Point Loma Nazarene University. Derek and his wife, Viviane, live in Sacramento, CA with their Pomeranian Princess.

His personal mission is to build better systems to strengthen local communities. He is passionate about local politics and spends much of his time listening to community leaders express their ideas and brainstorming how to get more people to pull up a chair and share.