MOBILE, Ala. — Derrick Scott has many titles at the Mobile County Health Department. Along with being the Bureau Director of Environmental Health Services, he also oversees the Public Health Response Units, and the MCHD Activities Team (previously known as the Cannon Team) that fires the cannon to start local races.

However, he recently obtained another designation. That is “doctor.”

Scott has earned his Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from Virginia University of Lynchburg. This achievement highlights an academic career that began with an Associate of Science degree from Lawson State Community College in Fire Science/General Studies, a Bachelor of Science degree from Athens State University in Public Health and Safety Administration, and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University.

“After graduating high school, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves,” Scott said. “My public service career started in 1989 with the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. I worked my way through the ranks and retired with 20 years of service in 2009 as a Fire Lieutenant.

“After moving to Mobile, I was hired as the Chief Property Maintenance Officer for the City of Mobile. This department handled various municipal enforcement ordinances.”

Eventually, his career path would lead him to the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County. There he served as the Planning Consultant I.

“As a planning consultant, I was responsible for preparing and updating emergency plans for hurricanes, floods, biohazard spills, and any other natural or man-made disasters that threaten the health and safety of Escambia County residents,” he said. “In addition, I was responsible for COVID-19 testing and vaccination at various sites throughout the county.

“Doing my civic duty during the pandemic was one of my most valued accomplishments. My experience as a firefighter and my education would be keys to my continued success in public service.”

Scott arrived at MCHD in 2021, working as a Public Health Administrative Support Specialist assisting Dr. Stephanie Woods-Crawford, Executive Director of Prevention and Wellness. He was later promoted to Bureau Director of Environmental Health Services, which has Onsite Sewage, Inspection Services, and Vector Control. The bureau has more than 50 employees with a combined budget of $4.3 million.

“We use this budget to make sure that the health and safety of Mobile County residents are protected,” he said. “We protect our residents by regulating food and lodging, onsite sewage, and reducing vector-borne illness.

“The health and safety of the public has always been my passion and it started early in my career.”