Biography

Derrick Smith, who prior to being appointed and then elected as State Representative for the 10th District, held the position of Deputy Director of Accounting Revenue for the Secretary of State’s Office,  has been a dedicated public servant for the last thirty years. Derrick was introduced to the political scene and public service at a young age by his father, the late Mr. Hayes Smith Sr. a former precinct captain of the old 42nd Ward (currently the 27th Ward) and his mentor and former grade school teacher, current Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

A native of Chicago, Derrick attended Franklin Elementary School (Class of 1977) and St. Benedict High School (Class of 1981).   In his professional career, Derrick has been employed by the City of Chicago; Department of Streets and Sanitation, as the Superintendent of Streets and Sanitation – 27th Ward and the County of Cook; Forest Preserve District, The office of the Medical Examiner, and the Highways Department.  In each position held, he excelled and was commended for his level of professionalism and his work ethic by his superiors.

Derrick’s political leadership experience includes being a Precinct Captain Coordinator for almost thirty years, logging thousands of volunteer hours on city, county, state, and federal election campaigns, and being a member of the Young Democrats of Cook County (YDCC) for the past twenty years where he now currently serves as an adviser.  In 2010, Derrick campaigned for a seat on the Cook County Board of Commissioners which was unsuccessful.

Throughout his journey of public service, Derrick has unselfishly given his time and dedication to social service organizations that benefit the children and adults alike in the community.  Organizations such as; The Neighborhood United Organization, Soles for the Needy, Major Adams Community Committee, The Austin Coalition on Under aged Drinking, 100 Men Plus, and was a former coach for the Basket ball team for Franklin Elementary School.  On a larger scale of disaster relief projects, Derrick has volunteered for the Red Cross Disaster Services, The Haiti Relief Project, and the Salvation Army. Derrick is a member of the St. John’s Grand Masonic Lodge, a Trustee of his church –Union Missionary Baptist Church, and a Shriner.

In 2003, Derrick earned his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Malcolm X Junior College in Chicago Illinois and a Bachelors Degree in 2005 from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois.

Derrick, father of three and grandfather of six, currently resides in Chicago, Illinois with his family.  His future plans after retirement include pursuing a Doctorate Degree, teaching, and traveling the world with the United Nations (UN) to develop programs that benefit the citizens of underprivileged countries.