The recipient of a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of British Columbia, Derek Townsend was a defensive back and kick returner for the school's football team who was named as the 35th-best player in team history in a 2017 list. He was also an Academic All-Canadian who earned distinction as a Canada West All-Star from 2005 to 2007. Upon graduating, Derek Townsend continued to pursue athletics. He played on the Canadian 7's men's rugby team and later served as president of rugby for the Meraloma Athletic Club. He is now the club's director.

Regarding his professional pursuits, Derek Townsend began his career as an inside sales professional with Moulding & Millwork in Langley, BC, and rose to the position of territory manager before joining Citifund Capital Corp., in September 2012. He served four years in an associate role with the commercial mortgage brokerage and was promoted to vice president in August 2016. As of August 2018, he has served as principal and co-owner of the firm.

Supplementing his experience as a mortgage broker, Mr. Townsend organizes educational and networking events through his role as director of LandlordBC. He also previously served one year as director of the Mortgage Investment Association of BC, where he was part of a committee that raised in excess of $35,000 for the Greater Vancouver Foodbank.