Derek Minnema is a Civil Engineer with more than 20 years of experience leading complex, high-profile, transportation infrastructure projects. His career spans the private and public sectors in transportation planning and programming, land use, and engineering design.

As the Executive Director, he has specialized in coalition-building, government affairs, and has been at the forefront of major funding initiatives. Under his leadership, the Capital SouthEast Connector Expressway cleared over 20 miles of environmental approvals, obtained 50-year regulatory permits, secured new funding from various federal, state, regional and local sources, and completed over $100 million in improvements.

Minnema was recognized in 2022 as Sacramento’s Public Servant of the Year. His numerous transportation projects have received awards and been showcased for their success in improving California’s transportation network. Minnema is a lifelong resident of the Sacramento region.