Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and how your path led to where you are today.
Like most people, my journey has been full of surprises, twists and turns along the way. I grew up in Ohio and earned my bachelors and masters in accounting from Eastern Michigan University.
photo credit Alessandra Bicudo
I then worked as an accountant for 5 years at the University of Michigan before deciding to better align my professional life with my passions and interests. I went back to school and got a second masters in sustainable systems at the University of Michigan. I started my sustainability career at a small liberal arts college in central Pennsylvania and for 3.5 years I built their sustainability program before moving to Santa Cruz to become UC Santa Cruz’s Sustainability Programs Manager. Throughout my sustainability journey I’ve had the privilege of working on interesting and rewarding projects, such as working on an organic fruit and vegetable farm in Denmark, building aquaponics systems in Peru, using sheep as a natural lawn mower, developing a study abroad program to Singapore, launching Recycle Coach, an app at UC Santa Cruz for waste sorting, and working on the Chancellor’s strategic planning process.
What does sustainability mean to you?
I ask this question all the time to others so it’s fitting that it’s being asked to me. I really love the definition of sustainability from the 1969 US Environmental Protection Act, which states sustainability is “to foster and promote the general welfare, to create and maintain conditions under which [humans] and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations…”. In more general terms, I think sustainability means that society is built in a way that all humans are able to live the life they desire while ensuring the earth is able to support those lifestyles while supporting all other living things to live in a manner that fits their needs.
Since you worked on implementing sustainability projects and initiatives in two universities thus far, you have had extensive experience in dealing with challenges accomplishing some of your goals. Could you summarize what are some of the common ones amongst these universities, and how did you overcome them?
There is more that is common than different across every university I’ve been a part of. I’m constantly amazed by the level of dedication to the mission of higher education; developing and sharing knowledge. The staff and faculty who spend countless hours deciphering data to make meaning from chaos, the frontline staff who work tirelessly to put a smile on the face of a student, and the students who ask hard, challenging questions to understand the world around them more fully.
Limited time and resources is a common challenge, and I’m sure not one that’s surprising to anyone reading this. As sustainability professionals, many times we know what to do, the challenge comes down to implementing those ideas. Do we have the financial resources to cover the upfront costs even if it will save money over time? What staff time is needed to manage a new sustainable solution? How do we communicate our successes and bring people along for the ride? All these questions have been common across all universities I’ve worked for. I wish I had great examples of how I overcame these obstacles. Rather, all I can leave you with is the importance of bringing people together. By doing so, we can lessen the load by spreading the work over faculty, staff, and students across the university. By building coalitions, we not only lessen the workload but also increase our capacity for change. This was key when I launched and co-chaired UC Santa Cruz’s Zero Waste Action Committee. The committee has members from across departments that play a role in the waste management system on campus. By doing so, we’ve had rich conversations since the committee launched in February 2022 and innovative waste ideas have risen due to our collaboration, like our Porter College waste pilot in 2023.
As the Sustainability Programs Manager, can you tell us what you enjoyed the most and what work are you most proud of during your time at UC Santa Cruz?
I really enjoy talking to students. Their curiosity and energy is contagious and makes me want to learn more myself. College is the perfect time to learn more about the world and figure out what contribution you can make.
Playing a role (albeit small) in shaping that experience gives me a lot of satisfaction in my job. In this vein, I’m most proud of the people I met and worked with over the past three years. I’ve loved hearing about the campus community’s ideas and desires during the strategic planning process. I’ve loved meeting so many students, whether that was those who I supervised, while visiting classes and clubs/orgs, or met during trash talking.
You accepted a new position at CSU Monterey Bay. What are you looking forward to in this new endeavor?
Yes, I’ll be CSU Monterey Bay’s new Associate Director for Safety, Risk, and Sustainability. In this role, I’ll have the opportunity to be at the forefront of developing a sustainability program that covers all aspects of sustainability. I’m really excited to practice new and enhanced leadership skills to shape another college campus. I’m also excited to build my own knowledge about safety and risk and how resiliency should inform our approach to risk and safety in the coming years as climate change impacts us more and more.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just want to offer a deep gratitude to every person I interacted with at UC Santa Cruz, from big projects to passing in the hallways. Thank you to everyone who has shown me friendship, guidance, support, and knowledge sharing over the past three years. I appreciate each and every one of you. THANK YOU!!
Lastly, what do you do for fun outside of work?
I love being in and around water, it’s one of my happy places. Even during the winter months I make sure I get in water (I’m going to miss the UCSC pool!). I’m not a stranger to polar plunges without a wetsuit! I’m also an avid runner and reader. I love finding new food and enjoy unique hot sauces.
The Sustainability Office wishes Derek all the best! Here’s what we’ll miss…
Alessandra - His joyful commitment to work and kind presence
Elida - Excellent work quality infused with FUN along the way!
Ellen - His infectious giggle
ileana - His creativity and collaborative style
