0713 Derrick Murphy
Derrick Murphy, 32, is a member of the Hoover Board of Education.Derrick Murphy’s grandparents taught him that in order to be a great leader, you must first be a great servant.
That’s why you’ll find him not only sitting in school board meetings but also opening doors in the carpool line — at Deer Valley Elementary where his daughter Bailyn, 6, attends and at as many Hoover elementary schools as he can.
“Presence is everything,” he said. “I want parents to know their leadership is present in the schools and cares about their kids’ well being.”
Murphy knows students need affirmation to go the right direction in life, and so he mentors eighth grade boys in leadership skills though the Alpha program at Bumpus Middle School.
He believes that’s what community is for — coming together to guide the leaders of tomorrow. And that is why he joined the School Board in 2011.
Outside of the schools, Murphy is on the board for the YMCA of Hoover, another organization he believes is an integral part of the community and directing young people.
He also recently started volunteering with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama and serves on the Alabama School Board Association Advisory Committee.
“Kids are our future,” he said. “If we are not stakeholders in our kids’ success, we have a limited future.”
Murphy enjoys spending time with his family: wife Shenavia, Hoover High School student Galien, Bailyn and infant Asher Robert.
