Cox Exec Enjoys Life in Summerlin as Dog Dad, Golf Fanatic, Doting Uncle

When Cox executive Derrick Hill visited Las Vegas in 2013 to check out the city for his next potential promotion with the country’s largest private telecom company, the decision to move to the Entertainment Capital of the World was a no-brainer. On that beautiful October day, it was a perfect 65 degrees in Las Vegas and 10 degrees in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was currently residing. So, Derrick gladly packed up his two Doberman Pinschers and moved west, settling first in Red Rock Country Club.

Now living in his second Summerlin home in The Paseos village, Derrick still claims Red Rock Country Club as his home course, but also occasionally plays at TPC Summerlin.  An all-around sports enthusiast, Derrick is especially proud to work for a company invested in the community as the technology partner of choice for the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena, the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium and the Las Vegas Aviators at Las Vegas Ballpark – right here in Summerlin.  In his role as board chairman of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, he is interested in promoting economic growth  and, it will be workforce development, industry diversification and  that when the time is right, professional sports that will help our city to recover economically and emotionally from COVID-19.

Now dad to just one Doberman Pinscher, Major, Derrick and Major happily log three to four miles daily on the trails around his home.  “During the lockdown, Cox Business Las Vegas initiated a new program to encourage employees to stay fit and healthy, while building camaraderie with each other as many employees continue to work from home,” he said. Called the Walk for Health Challenge,” the program sets a goal for employees to walk 100 miles in 30 days with a larger goal of logging 300 miles between June 1 and September 7.  “It’s been motivating and fun to compare notes with each other on our daily calls.  Fortunately, the Summerlin trail system offers many options, so I can choose different routes to mix it up and always keep things interesting.”

Derrick’s best kept secret might just be he is learning to play the piano. But not just any piano – a beautiful Baby Grand that is today his pride and joy and adorns his living room.  Derrick’s 15-year-old niece, Victoria, and 11-year-old nephew, Nicholas, also play the piano and challenge their uncle to a “play-off” before their frequent trips to Las Vegas. “We all agree to learn the same piece of music about a month before they arrive, and once they’re here, we have a blast playing for each other”

A native of Chicago, he is active member of The Crossing Church and enjoys taking his  extended family that still lives in the Windy City to service, including Victoria and Nicholas, along with Darrell, his 16-year-old nephew, a straight-A student who aspires to attend West Point.  To say Derrick is a doting uncle is an understatement. He takes great pride in the accomplishments of his beloved niece and nephews.

An educator for 38 years in Chicago, Derrick’s mother is the inspiration for his active involvement in the Las Vegas education community – both at UNLV and CCSD, where Cox Business is actively partnering on technology solutions for schools and students.  As an inspirational leader on a national council for inclusion and diversity for his employer, Derrick considers himself a social justice advocate and believes a balanced approach to curbing systemic racism and supporting law enforcement is the best solution to help our country evolve and grow.

For this community influencer and business leader, Summerlin is bar none the best place to live in Las Vegas.  “I love the amazing views of Red Rock Canyon to the west and the entire valley to the east,” he said.  “My ultimate Summerlin happy place?  La Strega!  Chef Gina Marinelli is the bomb!”