Derrick E. Robinson was born and reared in Florence, AL.

He is married to Gloria Oates Robinson, and they have two children (Geoffrey and Jazmine), and two grand-children (Jordan and Wynn).

Derrick was educated in the Florence City School System, and was a part of the first racially integrated class of Richards Elementary School in 1965-1966.  He is a 1973 graduate of Coffee High School, and furthered his education after high school at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University), and the University of North Alabama.​

His employment summary includes more than 30 years as a marketing/management/sales professional in broadcast radio and television; and cable television. Derrick is a certified John C. Maxwell Leadership Coach, Trainer, and Speaker.  He is someone who believes that “Servant Leadership is Leadership That Adds Value to Others.” Derrick is invested in the community, and has served civically with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hospice of the Shoals, the Kiwanis Club, the City of Florence Civil Service Board, the Corinth Mississippi Rotary Club, and currently serves as the Board Chair for the N.W. Alabama Attention Homes.