Derek Nelson
Director
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Biography
Derek Nelson is the Director of Risk Management for Cherokee County and he oversees the mitigation and transfer of risk for the County.
Prior to joining Cherokee County in 2022, Derek spent 17 years as the Safety & Risk Administrator for the City of Alpharetta, in which he managed Alpharetta’s Comprehensive Safety and Risk Management Program, specializing in worker’s compensation, training and claims management.
Earlier in his career, Derek spent five years in the private sector as a Safety and Loss Control Consultant for manufacturing, construction, and warehousing companies. He was also the Safety Manager for Builders First Source, formerly Robert Bowden Inc.
Derek graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing and Industrial Management, with a concentration in safety and environmental compliance.
Derek has been married to his wife Molly, for more than 20 years and they have two sons. Derek resides in Cherokee County and enjoys traveling, cooking, and woodworking among other hobbies. Derek is an avid fisherman and enjoys tournament bass fishing with his sons.