Born on the 4th of July, Derrell Cohoon knew at a young age that he was destined to be involved in American government. Prior to the formation of Capitol Partners in 2007, Derrell had 35 years of professional experience in political and governmental strategies in Louisiana. He served as the CEO for the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and was their chief lobbyist for 15 years.
Derrell also served as strategist and staff coordinator for Driving Louisiana Forward, the campaign to increase funding for the state’s transportation infrastructure. To date this initiative will dictate an additional $339 million dollars dedicated to Louisiana's roads and highways.
He has served on numerous boards and commissions under several Louisiana governors and business groups which include:
- Chairman of the Employer Relations Council of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry's (LABI) Worker's Compensation Task Force
- Currently a member of several LABI steering committees
- Appointee to the Louisiana Health Plan
- Currently a member of the Louisiana Health Care Commission
- Served as an appointee to the Louisiana Infrastructure Investment for Economic Prosperity Commission
- Former chairman of and current commissioner for the Baton Rouge Downtown Development District Commission
- Former chairman of the Baton Rouge Arts & Entertainment District
Derrell and his wife
Cheryl McCormick live in a home they renovated in the historic Spanish Town district of Baton Rouge. Described as “one of high integrity with extensive knowledge of the political process, legislative procedure, and state procurement," Derrell is passionate about Louisiana political history, its people and state policy. He and his wife, Cheryl McCormick and their two golden doodles reside in a circa 1896 home adjacent to the Capitol grounds that they have lovingly restored. He enjoys visiting with friends on their home's front porch, sharing jokes, stories, and political rumors along with an occasional fine sipping rum and cigar.
