Derek H. Anderson, DMin

Senior Vice President/Chief of Staff

Derek Anderson stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of community development and inclusive leadership, currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff for the Affordable Housing Trust of Columbus and Franklin County. In this pivotal role, he is at the forefront of one of the city’s largest Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), dedicated to fostering affordable housing developments across Columbus and Franklin County. His expertise and leadership are instrumental in steering the organization towards its goal of enhancing community welfare through sustainable housing solutions.

Before assuming his current position, Anderson made significant contributions as the Assistant Director for Equitable Contracting and Engagement at the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities. In this capacity, he was instrumental in amplifying the participation of minority, women, and small businesses in projects tied to the department’s estimated $6 billion capital budget, showcasing his commitment to equitable and inclusive economic growth.

Anderson’s career is marked by a series of groundbreaking roles, including his tenure as the Executive Director of the Community Relations Commission for the City of Columbus, a position he held following an appointment by Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. His pioneering spirit was evident during his time as the Assistant Administrator of the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities Division of Sewerage and Drainage, where he made history as the first African American to serve in this capacity. Additionally, his role as the Department of Public Utilities Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion set a precedent for the City of Columbus, underlining his dedication to fostering diverse and inclusive work environments.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Anderson’s community engagement is profound. He has served as the chairman of the Environmental Health Sciences Advisory Board for The Ohio State University College of Public Health and is an esteemed member of the National Diversity Expertise Panel for the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). His leadership roles within the community include serving as the Chairman of the Franklin County Alcohol Drug and Mental Health Board and Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Columbus Urban League. Anderson’s influence and commitment to service have been recognized widely, earning him a spot in Who’s Who in Black Columbus and the prestigious 40 under 40 award from Rejuvenate Magazine.

Derek Anderson is an alumnus of Marshall University and earned a doctoral degree from Payne Theological Seminary. His commitment to lifelong learning and leadership excellence is demonstrated through his completion of the Duke University Executive Education Program for Water Innovation and his fellowships with Leadership Ohio, the African American Leadership Academy, and the FBI Citizens Academy. His career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to public service, equity, and community betterment, marking him as a visionary leader and advocate for positive change. Most recently he was inducted into the Board of Sponsors of Morehouse College and the Martin Luther King Jr. International College of Ministers and Laity.