Derrick Elliott (Class of 2025, At Large) has a Christian foundation rooted in the Baptist tradition from childhood to young adulthood until the “God is Still Speaking,” campaign when, he says, “the United Church of Christ campaign spoke to him.” This led him on a journey to become a Member in Discernment with Casas Adobes Congregational Church, UCC in Tucson, AZ and the Southwest Conference in 2013. He was ordained as an authorized minister within the United Church of Christ in 2016. Derrick is currently the Pastor of Desert Heritage Church in Mesa, AZ and also an Air Force Chaplain Reserve Chaplain stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB in the rank of Captain. Prior to serving as an Air Force Reserve Chaplain, he spent twelve years of service in the Louisiana National Guard as an enlisted Administrative Assistant and as a Military Intelligence Officer. He has been an elementary school teacher, Community Outreach Specialist for Homeless Veterans, a Correctional Chaplain, a Hospital Chaplain, a Youth Worship leader and a member of the Board of Directors for Arizona Interfaith Power & Light. He currently holds a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, along with Master of Education and Bachelor of Art degrees from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He has completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education and is in the process of enrolling into a doctoral of ministry program.
