Derrick R. Wood
Derrick R. Wood | |
|---|---|
| Born | Silver Spring, Maryland |
| Citizenship | American |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessperson |
| Years active | 2018 – present |
| Website | derrickrwood |
Derrick R. Wood is an American politician and businessperson serving as the mayor of Dumfries, Virginia, since 2018. A member of the Democratic Party, Wood is the second African American elected to the office in the town's history.[1]
Career
[edit]Wood was elected to the Dumfries Town Council in 2012. In 2018, he was elected mayor and re-elected in 2022.[2][3][4] During his tenure, several development initiatives were launched in Dumfries, including the proposed $400 million Rose Gaming Resort (Northern Virginia's first casino gaming resort)[5] and plans for waterfront redevelopment. The closure of the Potomac Landfill[6] and the widening of U.S. Route 1 were also completed during his time in office.[7][3][8][9] As of 2024, Wood presided over Virginia’s only all-Black town council.[10] He has served on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and held positions with the Virginia Municipal League and the National League of Cities.[11][12]
In 2021, Wood launched a podcast titled Spotlight Dumfries, focused on local events and community members.[13] In addition, he owns Dyvine BBQ in Motion, a barbecue catering business.[14][15] Later in 2024, the business was cited for regulatory violations.
He is also the author of two self-published books including Building Business Credit (2021) and The Parables of Purpose: Finding Your Calling in the Midst of Chaos (2023). In 2024, he received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from RiseHer Network followed by the National Service to Youth Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2025.[16]
Personal life
[edit]Wood is married and has three children. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ Reports, Staff (2022-11-08). "Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood easily wins a second term". Prince William Times. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ InsideNoVa, Christopher Cole for (2018-05-09). "Dumfries mayor's resignation stuns council". INSIDENOVA.COM. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ a b esides@insidenova.com, Emily Sides (2018-08-21). "After firing town manager, Dumfries begins search for new leader". INSIDENOVA.COM. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Kiser, Uriah (2018-07-02). "Small town, big crowd: Hundreds come to Dumfries mayoral inauguration". Potomac Local News. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Roussey, Tom (2022-01-11). "Rose Gaming Resort breaks ground in Dumfries for Northern Virginia's first large casino". WJLA. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "Dumfries landfill closing today, after nearly 40 years". wusa9.com. 2022-01-26. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Kiser, Uriah (2023-12-05). "Dumfries mayor named National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Vice President". Potomac Local News. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Locala, Potomac (2025-06-06). "Mayor Wood's Vision: A Waterfront, a Resort, and a Revived Dumfries". Potomac Local News. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Barakat • •, Matthew (2020-12-28). "Northern Virginia Gets a Taste of Gaming With 'Horse Slots'". NBC4 Washington. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "For Dumfries leaders, engagement from the community is vital to help transform town". wusa9.com. 2024-01-17. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Kiser, Uriah (2023-12-05). "Dumfries mayor named National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Vice President". Potomac Local News. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ a b Palermo, Jill (2018-02-26). "Dumfries Town Councilman Derrick Wood announces bid for mayor". Prince William Times. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Stout, Nolan (2021-07-18). "Dumfries mayor launches podcast about community". INSIDENOVA.COM. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Gloss, Alan (2024-10-23). "Dumfries Takes Legal Action Against Mayor Wood's BBQ Business for Multiple Violations". Potomac Local News. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ Writer, Aileen M. Streng Contributing (2018-07-11). "Dumfries has a new mayor, new slogan, new town hall". Prince William Times. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ cdelean@insidenova.com, Cameron Delean (2024-01-16). "Making history in Dumfries: Town has Virginia's only all-Black council". INSIDENOVA.COM. Retrieved 2025-07-10.