Derek Bateman is Chair of the City Social Science Department at Erie Community College where he teaches Sociology, Political Science, and Economics. Derek has served on the boards of Hostel Buffalo Niagara, Lexington Co-op Markets, Nickel City Housing Co-op, and three credit unions for over 20 years. In addition, Derek served as a Board member and hands-on volunteer at Buffalo Reuse for 10 years. Before teaching, Derek was the Executive Director of Parkside Community Association, East Buffalo Community Land Trust, the Office of Urban Initiatives, and the Energy Cooperative of America. Derek holds an MSc in Regional and Urban Planning from the London School of Economics and an MBA from the University at Buffalo.