Derek Copeland

Derek Copeland is a devoted husband to his wife, Lori, as well as a proud father of 4 children. Derek is also a older brother and prides himself in being a family man. In his free time, he loves spending time with his family. He is active in the development of multiple sports for his 4 children and enjoys coaching them in baseball, tennis and basketball. Derek enjoys anything outdoors and is an avid golfer, skier, salt water fisherman and bird hunter.

Derek Copeland graduated with Honors earning a bachelor's degree in Finance at the University of Florida, where he displayed academic and leadership excellence. At the institution, Derek Copeland was selected as the "Outstanding Male Graduate" during the Spring 1996 Commencement, the school's top graduating honor and an accolade that underscored his dedication to his studies and leadership in academics and school involvement. Derek worked all 4 years in college and was the student assistant to UF President John V Lombardi. For his contributions to the University of Florida, Derek Copeland was selected for the student Hall of Fame in 1996, an honor given to the top students at the school.

His political career kicked off when he ran for office in 1992 at the age of 18 and won the election. Derek served as the youngest elected official in Florida as a Commissioner on the Hillsborough County Soil and Water Conservation District, an elected position aiming to promote sound conservation practices in his community. This early exposure shaped his professional path. 

Upon graduating from UF, he worked as a strategy consultant with Accenture and was able to work with several Fortune 500 companies. After his stint in management consulting, he worked as a Financial Advisor for UBS and Morgan Stanley.Derek Copeland's commitment to leadership and growth led him to start SilverRock Wealth Partners in Charlotte, NC, from March 2017 to January 2023. An independent wealth advisory firm, Mr. Copeland managed a staff and an array of business tasks for wealth clients in this role. 

His career took a significant step forward when he became a Principal at MCM Partners in Charlotte, NC. MCM Partners specializes in bringing commercial real estate developments to fruition and available to accredited investors. Derek Copeland plays a crucial part in the firm's operation and development as co-owner and he oversees day-to-day operations and contributes to sourcing new projects as well managing existing projects and managing investor relations. 

His impact on the community extended far beyond his roles in finance and business, and he was named the "Man of the Year" in 2014 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, setting a fundraising record up to that date. He was a founding member of the Steve Smith Family Foundation and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Foundation.