Board Member Spotlight: Derek Henderson
Board Member Spotlight: Derek Henderson
10-May-2022
Each month we'll be featuring school board members in an effort to learn more about the wonderful individuals serving on our boards!
Derek Henderson joined the Alabaster City school board in 2013. He has earned more than 350 training hours and achieved the Master Honor Roll designation in AASB's School Board Member Academy. Derek enjoys mentoring the youth and making a positive impact on the lives of children.
Read below to learn more about Derek Henderson!
Give us some background on yourself. What is your current occupation?
I am a retired insurance underwriting professional in which I assisted in reviewing and evaluating risks. I'm a graduate of Birmingham Southern College, and my wife, Gloria Henderson, and I have four adult sons.
What inspired you to join the school board?
I am not sure if you would call it inspiration but more of a curiosity. The city of Alabaster had recently formed a school system, and there was an opportunity to serve when one of the original board members resigned. One of the council members who knew of my work with The Quarterback Club and performing volunteer work asked me to consider looking at the board opportunity. The opportunity to work on creating a vision and starting something new was truly intriguing.
What do you enjoy most about being a school board member?
The opportunity to impact and make a positive change in the lives of our children is truly rewarding -- especially with the young men I currently mentor. I could not ask for more wonderful and supportive board members who always put our children first in all our decisions.
What is the one thing you have learned while serving as a school board member?
I have learned that patience and process is very important.
Is there any accomplishment or goal you’ve completed with the school board that you are especially proud of?
As a school system that is less than 10 years old, we have so many things to be proud of: our academic growth; growth in our arts program; our elementary reading and math scores being ranked in the top 10 in Alabama; and our input into planning and developing a premier high school in our system!
What are some of your hobbies?
Reading, listening to live music (especially jazz) and watching as many sporting events as possible.
What is a fun or interesting fact you would like to share about yourself?
I have attended 11 men's Final Four basketball finals and two women's Final Four basketball finals!
Do you have a personal or professional motto/favorite quote?
"All things are difficult before they are easy."
I also always ask the guys I mentor “What's in your CAR?” (Character Attitude Reputation)