Derrick L. Billups
Derrick L. Billups
Age: 50
Residence: Woodlawn
Political experience: Elected to Birmingham Board of Education, 2021.
Professional experience: Director of K-12 Initiatives, Birmingham Promise, previously manager of employer partnerships, 2023-2025; director, Mechanical Craft Training Institute, 2023-2024; interim lead pastor Redstone Church, 2021-2022; Director of education and workforce development, Woodlawn Foundation, 2019-2021; science teacher/assistant principal at Birmingham, Jefferson County and Hoover school systems, 2005-2019; chemical plant operator, Sloss Industrial Corp., 1999-2001.
Civic experience: Has served with BCS CTE and Academies Advisory Council, The Community Kitchens Birmingham, Christian Service Mission, Hope Street Ministries, Youth Leadership Forum, Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, Birmingham Tech Council Advisory Committee, Advent Episcopal Day School basketball program, board of Southside Baseball, Church of the Highlands Dream Center.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Alabama, 1998; master’s degree in divinity, Samford University, 2004; master’s degree in education, UA, 2012.
Main issues: During his term he has worked to strengthen academic outcomes, expand workforce development programs and build stronger partnerships between schools, families and local businesses, all efforts he wants to continue. He also lists as main issues supporting teachers and staff, ensuring schools are safe and inclusive.
