Derrick Billups is a resident of the Woodlawn community and proud Woodlawn High School Alum.  He is a graduate of the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa and possesses Masters’ 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 these districts has provided him insights to the necessary components of high performing schools systems.  He has also served in numerous leadership roles with community based nonprofit organizations addressing systemic challenges related housing, education, and employment while forging partnerships with leaders representing diverse industry sectors. Derrick currently serves as the Director of K-12 Initiatives for Birmingham Promise where he is responsible for developing and directing programming activities for the organization including post-secondary scholarship and work-based learning opportunities for BCS students. 

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Derrick has been heavily involved in community and youth related activities.  He has served on numerous advisory boards and volunteers frequently with area churches and organizations.  His involvement includes the BCS CTE & Academies Advisory Council, The Community Kitchens Birmingham, Christian Service Mission, Hope Street Ministries, Youth Leadership Forum, and Woodlawn Neighborhood Association. 

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Derrick is married to his loving wife of 25 years Tarana, and is the proud parent of a daughter, Taryn and son, Ethan.