Derek Lumpkins

Derek Lumpkins

Derek Lumpkins was recently named executive director of Discover Roxbury.

A Boston Latin and Swarthmore graduate, Lumpkins was selected from a field of more than three dozen applicants. He had been Discover Roxbury’s program and marketing manager over the past three years. He replaces Discover Roxbury’s founder Marcia Butman, who began the organization as a way for suburban teachers to be more familiar with the neighborhoods of METCO students.

“Discover Roxbury is a member of the Roxbury community, a resource within it and conduit through which the neighborhood can see itself reflected and projected on a greater scale,” Lumpkins said.

Lumpkins, 36, says he is confident that the organization will adapt to the changing economy. Two of his major initiatives have been the use of new media outlets such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter to not only market his events but to build the organization’s base of support among young people in the community.

“Of all the applicants we considered, Derek had the most compelling and passionate vision for Discover Roxbury,” said Ekua Holmes, chairwoman of Discover Roxbury’s Board of Directors. “We are so pleased to have him at the helm.”