I was born in 1957 to parents from Holly Pond, Alabama.  I spent all of my childhood and young adulthood in this small town which is very much like "Mayberry USA".  I will always cherish the small town values I learned there.
     I was also born wanting to fly, so as soon as I could, I enrolled in a nearby Junior College in the first class of the new Aviation program.  I became a Commercial Pilot, with Instrument, Multi-Engine and Seaplane ratings while working as an Aviation Instructor with the same college.
     I became more and more interested in "New Age" ideas and read almost all books available in the local bookstore (one entire shelf!) and attended a "Gateway Outreach" weekend, sponsored by the Monroe Institute, in Atlanta. While there I met Nelson Marchant, and learned about Unity of Birmingham.
     I knew I belonged here on the first day I attended.  I became a member at the first Membership Sunday - which happened to be Earth Day, 1990.  Since then I have been a Board Member, Wizard of Sound and Light (the sound booth operator), Usher, Hole Digger, Table Toter and occasional "emergency locksmith".  I feel that Unity of Birmingham has given me so much, it is my honor to give something back.  Thanks for your opportunity to serve.

     Deryck is a Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner, licensed to practice before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He and his wife Ann are co-owners of an accounting firm in the Birmingham area. Their firm was awarded the “2005 Minority Service Firm of the Year Award” by the city of Birmingham. Deryck specializes in tax compliance issues and the representation of taxpayers with tax problems before IRS. Deryck is also the Qualified Tax Expert for the Low Income Tax Clinic (LITC) at the Birmingham Business Resource Center. He helps the disadvantaged and low income taxpayers across the State of Alabama.
     He was past President of the AL/MS National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP). He received the Chapter Person of the Year Award. Deryck was just awarded the Top Practitioner Award from the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers.
     Deryck and Ann have three sons, two daughters and five grandchildren. Deryck enjoys golfing, hiking, tennis, traveling and playing with his grandchildren.

     Diane E. David a native of New York was raised by her mom and grew up in the South Bronx with an older brother. A scholarship opportunity allowed her to go to high school in Andover, MA. From there she attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. She remained in Philadelphia until 1985 when she accepted a job in Birmingham with the thought of staying here for three years. Several events have turned that three year stay into over 20 years; Southern hospitality, developing wonderful friendships, meeting her soul mate with which she has been in a relationship with for 16 years, and last but not least, finding Unity of Birmingham 12 years ago. She lives in Crestwood, has a kitty named Ticket (that she rescued from New York - hence the name) and works for the Federal Government as a Pre-Award Survey and Industrial Base Manager.