Mayor Derrick Wood

Council voted 4–2 to remove Dumfries’ Flock cameras. This was not a vote against public safety. It was a vote to make sure residents have a meaningful voice in how this technology is used. Public safety matters. Public trust matters. Dumfries deserves both.

If everything falls apart when you step away, you haven’t built it yet. Leadership isn’t becoming indispensable. It’s developing people and systems that can keep growing without you. 🎬 Episode 24 | Build Something That Outlives You

My first meeting taught me a lesson I’ll never forget. You don’t become a leader because you have all the answers. You become one because you’re willing to keep learning. Episode 18 is live.

Some lessons aren’t learned while you’re working. They’re learned while you’re waiting. Episode 15 of Road to Elected & Engaged reflects on one of those moments and the leadership lesson that came with it. What has waiting taught you?

Need something fun to do with the kids? 🎨 Kids Doodle Day 📅 July 30 ⏰ 11AM–1PM 📍 Garrison Park 17749 Main St., Dumfries FREE family fun with drawing, painting, and creativity for kids. Tag a parent who should come! #DumfriesVA #FamilyFun

Stop waiting. Start leading. Your community doesn’t need another spectator. It needs someone willing to act. What if that someone is you? DWoodUniversity.com

Campaigns don’t start with votes. They start with conversations. Leadership is earned one relationship at a time. Episode 13 of #RoadToElectedAndEngaged is live. What conversation has changed your life?

Failure doesn’t get the final vote. You do. Every setback gives you a choice: Stay down—or stand back up. That’s the lesson behind today’s episode of Road to Elected & Engaged. #Leadership #Resilience #RoadToElectedAndEngaged

Sometimes the hardest “yes” is the one you say after you’ve already been disappointed. Don’t let yesterday’s setback make today’s decision. Purpose has a way of calling you back. 🎥 Episode 10 of #RoadToElectedAndEngaged

For my birthday this year, I’m giving away something that’s taken me nearly a decade to create. Today, the DWood University waitlist is officially open. Join now and be the first to receive my new guide, 49 Leadership Quotes for Reluctant Leaders. 🌱 DWoodUniversity.com

The biggest opportunities in life usually show up before you think you’re ready. I almost said no when someone told me to run for office. That decision changed my life. Watch today’s episode of Road to Elected & Engaged

I wasn’t planning to become Mayor. I was trying to save my barbecue business. Someone said… “Go to the Town Council meeting.” I remember asking… “What’s a council meeting?” Sometimes one conversation changes everything.

People don’t lose trust overnight. They lose it when they stop believing their voice matters. Tomorrow: the story of how a cease-and-desist notice on my BBQ business led me to ask… “What’s a council meeting

Leadership doesn’t begin with a title. It begins when someone decides, “I’m not just going to complain. I’m going to help.” I didn’t start by trying to become Mayor. I started by trying to solve a problem. What’s one issue in your community you’d be willing to help solve?

Can a town of just 1.5 square miles earn the attention of the world? Great communities aren’t built by chance. They’re built through relationships. Hon. Millicent Amankwah’s visit reminded me that influence isn’t determined by size—it’s determined by vision.

America 250 Encore was a night to remember! 🇺🇸 Families, youth volunteers, live music, local vendors, fireworks, and a special appearance by Omar Gooding made for an unforgettable celebration. Thank you to everyone who joined us and everyone who made it possible.

America 250 Encore was a night to remember! Families, youth volunteers, live music, local vendors, fireworks, and a special appearance by Omar Gooding made for an unforgettable celebration. We’re building more than events we’re building community. #DestinationDumfries

Dumfries was here before America became America. As we celebrate America 250, Dumfries has a story to tell. Virginia’s oldest continuously chartered town. Small in size. Significant in impact. Our story is not a footnote. It is part of the foundation. #America250 #DumfriesVA

Dumfries is busy & that’s not a complaint. That’s momentum. A busy town is a moving town. A busy town is a growing town. A busy town is a town where people are showing up. We’re not building a town people drive through. We’re building a town people drive to. #DumfriesVA

🇺🇸 A parade only lasts a few hours, but the memories and conversations last a lifetime. Thank you to everyone who walked, waved, stopped for a photo, or shared a smile as we celebrated America’s 250th Birthday. It was an honor to celebrate with such an incredible community.