Congratulations to Derek Williams, Project Manager for the Trotwood Community Improvement Corporation (TCIC), on being named Community Development Professional of the Year by the Ohio Conference of Community Development.

Derek received the award during OCCD’s Summer Annual Conference on Wednesday, July 22. The award recognizes community development professionals whose work on a project or program has had a major impact on their community.

This recognition is especially meaningful for the Trotwood CIC because Derek’s work has been directly tied to some of our most important neighborhood redevelopment efforts, including the Azalea housing rehabilitation initiative in the Townview neighborhood.

Through Azalea 2.0 and the forthcoming Azalea 3.0, the Trotwood CIC is working to return vacant and distressed homes to productive use as quality homeownership opportunities. These projects are helping restore neighborhood confidence, support surrounding property values, and build momentum for future infill housing and broader reinvestment in Townview.

Derek also played an important role in helping develop the CIC’s partnership with Civista Bank, creating a financing model that supports the rehabilitation of multiple homes and demonstrates the power of creative public-private partnerships in community development.

In addition to his housing work, Derek has supported key CDBG-funded redevelopment projects in Trotwood, including Main Street corridor improvements and the remediation, demolition, and site preparation of underutilized properties for future commercial investment.

We are proud to see Derek’s work recognized statewide and grateful for the dedication, creativity, and follow-through he brings to Trotwood’s neighborhoods, residents, and future.

Congratulations, Derek!