Derickson was born on March 20, 1960, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and after graduation from Clark State University and Miami University, Derickson worked as a health care administrator before starting Colonial Woods Furniture and Indian Ridge Golf Course on land that was previously his family's dairy farm.
In his new role, Derickson oversees a sector that includes hundreds of companies that cultivate, process, package, distribute and market foods and beverages enjoyed around the world.
With incumbent Shawn Webster unable to run again due to term limits, Derickson was one of three who sought to replace him.
Derickson, who was term-limited and could not seek reelection, subsequently announced his resignation from the Ohio House effective August 22, 2016.
[5] Derickson and his wife Kelly live in Oxford, Ohio, with their two children, Katie (who is married to Dave Noble) and Matt.