Derek is originally from Knoxville Tennessee and is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, SC. Upon graduation he developed his hospitality career in hotels, resorts, and high-end restaurants. Before achieving his latest land- based role of Executive Chef at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, he worked as a Chef de Cuisine at Ferraro’s in the Four Seasons Hotel Maui and at Baleen Restaurant at La Playa Beach and Golf Resort in Naples. Following those experiences, he had the pleasure to work on private and charter yachts across Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean and the North East of the United States.

Derek comes to I LOVE THIS BOAT from motor yacht M4 and is excited to showcase his culinary knowledge, creativity, and dedication to his craft to guests on charter. While not in the galley, Derek’s interests are boating, fishing, sporting events, disc golf, traveling, trying new restaurants, biking, reading, surfing, gardening, and hiking.