Derek Andrew DeBrosse was born and raised in Piqua, Ohio, where he graduated from Lehman Catholic High School. Derek attended The Ohio State University, but his graduation was delayed because of a 14-month combat tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the Ohio National Guard. After his service overseas Derek returned to Ohio, and earned his B.A. in Political Science.

Immediately after graduation, Derek enrolled at the Regent University School of Law, where he served as Chairman of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board (which won the American Bar Associations coveted National Negotiations Competition), and earned his Juris Doctor in 2008.

In his free time, Derek enjoys trips to the shooting range, watching movies, attending Columbus Blue Jackets games, and training for competitive races.