Derek Young was born in Sudbury, Ontario July 21, 1978 to parents Rita and Raymond Young. He has two brothers Dan Young, a foreman with MTR Construction and Keystone Homes, and David Young who recently completed a BA Music from Laurentian University and a BA Education from Nippissing University. David is actively pursuing a career as a music teacher.

A graduate of Lasalle Secondary School, he first took an active interest in politics becoming student President in his graduating year. He then attended Cambrian College graduating in 2002 with a diploma in Business Administration Marketing. While at Cambrian he served two terms on the Students’ Administrative Council in the roles of Director Finance, Chairperson, Vice President External Relations, and President. In his role as President he was instrumental in creating two new student seats on the Academic Divisional and tackled issues of student apathy by leading by example and creating relationships with faculty and administration who are the front line workers in direct contact with the student body. During his term of office he held the position of Northern Vice President for the Ontario Community College Student Parliamentary Association now known as the College Student Alliance.

Upon completing his post-secondary studies he was employed in various fundraising, special events, and communication roles with the Lung Association, United Way, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Flour Mill Business Improvement Area, Music and Film in Motion, and Sudbury Manitoulin Children’s Foundation. Young also works occasionally as a freelance journalist for the Northern Life and Sudbury Living Magazine as well as a production stagehand with the International Alliance of Theatre and Stage Employees Union Local 634.

He is currently self-employed in the events marketing, tourism and hospitality sector through his business The Marketing Machine, which was instrumental in creating and implementing the Greater Sudbury Celtic Festival and Highland Games now entering its fourth year. He is working with colleagues to develop Laff City to promote and foster a comedy club scene in Greater Sudbury. He is currently the hall manager of Jubilee Centre re-branding and promoting the centre as an alternative arts centre for dinner theatre, youth events, art shows, and live performance.

Derek first entered the race for municipal government running as a candidate for ward 12 in the 2006 Municipal Election where he finished in third place capturing 13% of the popular vote. In January 2006, he was appointed to the Board of Management for Downtown Sudbury (Metro Centre) where he served as Chairperson of the Marketing Committee and Director at Large until 2008. He was a member of the Community Champions planning committee for the 2008 Greater Sudbury 125 Anniversary Celebrations.

In 2007, Derek and his brother David created the Laurentian University Pipe Band and were instrumental in developing a tartan for Laurentian University, which is registered with the National Tartan Authority in Scotland. Derek is past President of the Sudbury Arts Council, a member of the Greater Sudbury Arts & Culture Charter Steering Committee, a member of the Sudbury Kinsmen Club and Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.

Derek’s plans and visions are always well thought out. He is passionate about his community, does not settle for the status quo looking for new ways to make things better and keep things fresh. He understands the important role of municipal government in democracy as well as the unique needs of the community. He looks forward to serving his fellow citizens as Mayor actively promoting a new vision for Greater Sudbury.

2010-2011 Copyright Derek Young