My Site
Meet Derek
Fifteen years ago, I chose Mount Pleasant as my home—and I’ve never looked back. While I’ve lived in many places, this is the longest I’ve ever lived in one town, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. My wife, Lorey, and I are raising our two daughters, Tinsley and Colby, who attend Jennie Moore Elementary and Laing Middle School. I’m proud to be an active “girl dad,” coaching their soccer and basketball teams with the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department.
​
My professional career has been rooted in problem-solving, accountability, and delivering results. As a Director of Customer Support for a local technology company, I work every day to ensure our clients receive top-tier service. Before that, I spent years as a lidar hydrographer, using laser technology from airplanes to map the ocean floor, and later worked as a project manager overseeing complex operations. I also proudly served nine years in the U.S. Navy Reserve (USNR), an experience that strengthened my dedication to leadership, discipline, and service to others.
​
Beyond work and family, I’m passionate about our town’s outdoor lifestyle. I enjoy boating, fishing, live music, and shared experiences with friends. I’ve logged over 200 SCUBA dives, and my love for the ocean runs deep—I even started college at the University of South Dakota, where I played football, before finishing my degree in Marine Science at Texas A&M University in Galveston. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere that wasn’t near the water.​​
​
I love this town, and I’m ready to work for it. Let’s Keep MTP Pleasant—together.
Derek Johnson for Mount Pleasant Town Council:
Vote March 25th
Let's keep MTP pleasant, together.
For the Future. For Families. For Our Kids.
Mount Pleasant is growing, but we must ensure that growth happens responsibly, preserving what makes our town special. With my experience in leadership, project management, and customer service, I know how to bring people together, listen to diverse perspectives, and deliver meaningful results. My priority is to balance growth, preserve our town’s character, and ensure our government is transparent and responsive to the needs of its residents.
Smart Growth &
Infrastructure
Mount Pleasant is experiencing rapid growth, and while development is inevitable, it must be done responsibly.
I will work to:
-
Balance new development with preserving the town’s natural beauty and quality of life.
-
Ensure infrastructure improvements keep pace with growth, including roads, traffic management, and public services.
-
Maintain the charm and character that make Mount Pleasant a desirable place to live.
Protecting our
Natural Environment
Our ecosystem—marshlands, wetlands, and waterways—is what makes Mount Pleasant beautiful and unique.
I will work to:
-
Strengthen protections for our natural resources while ensuring residents can enjoy them responsibly.
-
Support smart recreational development—like adding another boat ramp—without harming our environment.
-
Balance conservation efforts with the needs of the people who call Mount Pleasant home.
Government Transparency & Accountability
Residents deserve a Town Council that listens, communicates, and operates with transparency.
I will work to:
-
Increase public awareness and participation in citizen advisory committees to bring more voices into decision-making.
-
Limit the use of executive sessions, ensuring more discussions happen in public view.
-
Push for responsible spending that prioritizes the needs of residents over the desire for new projects.
Meet me out & about around town
Wednesday, March 5th: Meet & Greet with The 88 Club
Join me and The 88 Club during their next meeting on March 5, 7-9 am at Sunrise Bistro. Speakers include 7 of the 10 candidates for the vacant and unexpired seat on Mount Pleasant Town Council.
Friday, March 7th: Meet & Greet @ The Brickyard
I will be hosting a reception and provide you an opportunity to meet your candidate at the Brickyard neighborhood clubhouse from 6-8 PM. Come out for some refreshments, meet your neighbors, and enjoy the evening. I look forward to seeing you there.
Monday, March 10th: Meet & Greet @ The Somerby
I'll be at Somerby of Mount Pleasant on Monday, March 10th from 2:15-3:15pm to meet and speak with the residents.
Thursday, March 13th: Meet & Greet @ Park West
The Park West Master Board of Directors will host an open forum on March 13, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Park West Clubhouse, located at 2701 Park West Blvd. This "Meet the Candidates" event for the residents of the Park West community is to gain insight into the candidates’ positions and vision for our community.
Tuesday, March 25th: Special Election Day!
I'll be at my voting location and hope to see you there!
Past Event: Tuesday, February 25th: Virtual Forum
The League of Women Voters Charleston will host a nonpartisan virtual forum on February 25 at 6pm featuring all 10 candidates for Mount Pleasant Town Council Special Election.
Past Event: Saturday, March 1st: Meet & Greet @ Liberty Hill
I will be hosting a reception and provide you an opportunity to meet your candidate at the Liberty Hill Farm clubhouse from 6-8 PM. Come out for some refreshments, meet your neighbors, and enjoy the evening. I look forward to seeing you there.
123-456-7890
Get in Touch
I'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, feedback or inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can fill out the contact form or email me directly @derek4office@gmail.com.