Derrick Max previously served as the President and CEO of the Thomas Jefferson Institute, bringing decades of high level experience as a U.S. Senate speechwriter and Director of Government Affairs for the Cato Institute. A prominent expert in Social Security and education reform, he was instrumental in passing the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program and leading major congressional investigations into labor corruption. Beyond his policy achievements at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), Derrick is a dedicated educator who co-founded and led the Cornerstone School in Southeast D.C. for over twenty years. A Wheaton College graduate and father of four, his leadership continues to shape free-market solutions and community-focused initiatives across Virginia.