Derric Scott is the Founder and CEO of J29:7 Planning & Development Corporation. Most recently as the former CEO of East Jefferson Development Corporation he was responsible for developing and overseeing a 30 year, $680+ Million Master Development Plan on Detroit’s East Side with more than $68M+ in investment completed through the first 4 years. Brought on to start the organization as the for-profit subsidiary of a non-profit in 2016, he was responsible for growing the balance sheet to more than $13.7 Million in assets by the end of 2021. Prior to that, Mr. Scott led Commercial Development in Detroit for Ford Land leading the $80+ Million Wagner Place Development in West Downtown Dearborn and driving Ford’s investment of $738M+ to restore the historic Michigan Central Station and adjacent properties in the historic Corktown neighborhood of Detroit. With a background in affordable housing, urban planning, community and economic development, Derric’s focus has been on Inclusive Development and ensuring that development directly benefits those in the communities surrounding it. Driving more than $1.5 Billion in investment during his career, he has spent his life dedicated to education, mentorship, and economic and community development activities in challenged urban environments. Through his work, more than 1300 Detroit Metro High School students have been given the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Additionally, he currently serves in many volunteer and board positions including the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan and recently completed a two year appointment to the Advisory Council on Agriculture, Small Business and Labor at the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank. He also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Economic Development Committee & Chairman of the Faith Based Development Initiative (FBDI) for the Church of God in Christ, Inc. and is responsible for guiding the 6.5 Million member denomination’s affordable housing and economic development activities across the country with a commitment to more than 8,000 affordable units in the City of Memphis alone.

Mr. Scott received his undergraduate degree in Music and his Masters of Urban and Regional Planning, with a special concentration in Real Estate all from the University of Michigan where he also studied Architecture. He and his wife have 8 children together and call Michigan home.