Derek has more than a decade of experience in contract lobbying in Kansas, as well as in-house multi-state government affairs. He maintains vast practical knowledge in building public policy and advocacy campaigns, business development, strategy, and client management.

In addition to a dozen years of contract lobbying in Kansas, Derek worked as manager of government affairs for DraftKings—a leading daily fantasy sports and sports betting operation—during the company’s most turbulent period. At DraftKings, he helped build and launch the national government affairs platform for the organization. He was instrumental in advancing legislation in Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New York and Tennessee. At a time when the Daily Fantasy Sports industry was in danger of being shut down, Derek helped lead the charge for states to give the industry legal status, while also providing users of the platform with strong consumer protections.

Prior to founding 1861, Derek provided multi-state and attorney general lobbying services for Catalyst, a prominent Kansas City-based government affairs firm, focusing on tribal issues, fintech, gaming, pharmacy, and air medical services.

Derek has testified before legislative committees and regulatory boards in Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia. He has also served on numerous legislative panels for organizations including National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Republican Legislative Campaign Committee (RLCC), and American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).