Derek Benton

Derek Benton has over 20 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry. Derek currently works as the Director of Solutions Engineering at The Switch, where they manage technical operations and provides expertise in digital video streaming. Prior to this role, they were the Video Lead at Edgio, where they offered consultative and design services to digital video streaming customers.

Derek also has experience working with Verizon Media Group (now Yahoo! Edgecast) as the Director of Media & Entertainment Strategy, where they designed and implemented full stack Content Delivery/Streaming solutions. Derek has also worked as a Senior Solutions Engineer at Verizon Digital Media Services, a Senior Pre-Sales & Solutions Designer at Dalet Digital Media Systems, and a Senior Application Sales Executive at AmberFin (now a Dalet Digital Media Systems Company), where they focused on file-based multi-screen distribution channels.

Earlier in their career, Derek was a Solutions Specialist at Avid Technology, where they researched industry workflows and created custom hardware/software environments for customers in the cinematic and broadcast industries. Derek also worked as a Broadcast Engineer at NBC News and held various roles at Avid Technology, including Solutions Architect and Applications Editor.

Before entering the industry, Derek gained experience as a freelance Editor/Assistant Editor. Derek has a strong understanding of leading industry workflows and best practices for content creation, management, and distribution across traditional and new media channels.

Derek Benton has a diverse education history. Derek started their academic journey in 1999 by enrolling in California State University, Chico, where they pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinematic Study. Derek completed this program in 2001. Following this, from 2001 to 2003, Derek attended California State University, Northridge, majoring in Film & Television Production, and earned their Bachelor of Arts degree. In 2004 and 2005, they expanded their skill set by attending Video Symphony, where they obtained certification in various aspects of media production, including Avid, DigiDesign, Adobe, and Apple software.