About Derek

At 21 years old, Derek Merrin was elected mayor of Waterville becoming the youngest mayor in Ohio. On the road to victory, he ran a grass-roots campaign knocking on virtually every door in Waterville. His message of fiscal conservatism and open government rang true with voters.

Two years earlier, Derek was elected to council capturing the all-time record for the most votes for a council seat. He earned the reputation as a watchdog for taxpayer dollars and for espousing conservative values.

After his mayoral term, Derek took a position with the Auditor of State's Office. He works as a Senior Performance Analyst helping local governments to be economical, efficient, and effective with their resources. In 2008, Derek graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Toledo. Derek earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Bowling Green State University the following year. Currently, Derek is pursuing a Public Performance Measurement Certificate from Rutgers, School of Public Affairs and Administration. 

Derek has a variety of interests and hobbies. He loves to travel; and besides extensively traveling the States, Derek has toured Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Derek is active in his church, Monclova Road Baptist Church, and is the Altar Worker Coordinator. Additionally, Derek is a sports enthusiast who enjoys basketball and baseball.

As an avid reader, Derek spends several hours a day reading. He normally reads the Bible, four newspapers, and works on several books a day. His favorite books tend to be biographies or ones dealing with financial investments.

Derek has a keen interest in politics. In addition to working on many campaigns, he plays a key role in the leadership of the Lucas County Republican Party. Derek has served on the executive committee and sits on the central committee, which he has been elected to three times. Additionally, Derek founded and served as the president of the vibrant Fallen Timbers Republican Club.

Derek is an active member of numerous civic and charitable organizations. A brief list includes Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Red Cross, Voice of the Martyrs, Open Doors, Gideons International, Gun Owners of America, Club for Growth, Heritage Foundation, Americans for Prosperity, and the Buckeye Institute.

With the Voice of Martyrs, Derek corresponds with Christians imprisoned for their faith in foreign countries and lobbies their government for their release and for better treatment.

In 2012, Red Alert Politics named Derek one of the top 30 most influential conservatives under 30 years old in the nation.

Derek resides in Waterville, Ohio, and is 26 years old.

River image in top photo by dumpsterbox.