For more than three decades, Derek Stertz has devoted his career to shaping communities, guiding civic policy, and bridging the gap between technology and governance. With deep roots in urban planning, public affairs, and geospatial technology, he has emerged as a respected leader whose work exemplifies a rare blend of analytical precision, creative foresight, and civic dedication. His career narrative is one of purpose—transforming complex data and urban systems into meaningful insights that empower governments and citizens alike.
Derek’s journey began with a profound curiosity about how human history, geography, and design intersect to define the places we live. Earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and Geography from Metropolitan State University of Denver, he cultivated a strong foundation in spatial thinking and historical context. This intellectual groundwork set the stage for a lifelong pursuit of understanding how communities evolve—and how thoughtful planning can ensure their resilience and sustainability.
Building upon this passion, Derek advanced his education with a Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado Denver, where he concentrated on environmental and urban systems with an emphasis in GIS (Geographic Information Systems). His studies included urban design studios focused on Denver’s Mile High Stadium and Union Station, experiences that honed his appreciation for urban revitalization and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Additional studies at Sapienza Università di Roma in Historic Preservation and Conservation enriched his understanding of the cultural and architectural dimensions of planning, blending global perspective with technical mastery.
His early professional years as an Archaeology Technician for the United States Forest Service shaped Derek’s deep respect for heritage, landscape, and environmental stewardship. He gained a great understanding of pre-historic and historic development that influences his overall thoughts on civilization and its works. Through archaeological research, GIS mapping, and historic site documentation, he learned the importance of integrating technology into preservation—a philosophy that would inform his later career. His work in cultural resource management and field supervision demonstrated both his technical fluency and leadership capacity, setting a tone of excellence and adaptability that continues to define him. This was the first of a great many to develop others and mentor.
Transitioning from fieldwork to applied technology, Derek took on the role of GIS Cartographer for the National Park Service, contributing to projects of national significance. From mapping historic battlefields to creating data systems for natural resource management, he refined his expertise in spatial data analysis, geospatial visualization, and inter-agency coordination. His capacity to translate technical processes into actionable strategies for non-technical stakeholders became one of his defining professional traits.
A major turning point came with his tenure at the City of Centennial, where Derek served for a decade as GIS Supervisor. Here, he played an instrumental role in advancing municipal operations through GIS-driven solutions. He led enterprise-wide system implementations, directed redistricting analyses for City Council, and contributed to the largest municipal zoning code rewrite in U.S. history—the 2011 Land Development Code. His leadership extended beyond systems and codes; Derek became a bridge between policy, community, and technology. His projects improved government transparency, streamlined land-use decision-making, and fostered citizen engagement in planning processes.
Following his success in Centennial, Derek joined the Douglas County School District as Planning Manager, where he oversaw long-range planning, enrollment forecasting, land acquisition, and strategic advisory for the Board of Education. He coordinated across multiple counties and municipalities, demonstrating exceptional skill in stakeholder management and policy alignment. His stewardship of community planning and data integrity directly influenced infrastructure investment, educational equity, and demographic forecasting—proving his ability to apply urban planning principles to educational environments with profound social impact.
In 2022, Derek assumed his current role as Planning Manager for the City of Greenwood Village, a position that fully reflects his expertise and leadership philosophy. He manages current and long-range planning initiatives, facilitates development review and public engagement processes, and serves as the staff liaison for both the Board of Adjustment and Appeals and the Planning and Zoning Commission. His approach is grounded in transparency, collaboration, and governance excellence—values that have earned him the respect of peers, city leaders, and community stakeholders alike.
Beyond his professional titles, Derek is deeply engaged in civic life. He has served as a liaison and advisor to multiple boards, including the Geospatial Board, and has been actively involved with committees focused on long-range planning, housing, and community development. His volunteer contributions to organizations like the City of Aurora’s Housing and Community Development Committee and his guest lectures at the University of Colorado Denver underscore his dedication to mentorship, education, and civic empowerment. His work has been recognized with honors such as the Denver Regional Council of Governments Award for Project Recognition, a testament to his impact on sustainable urban governance and regional collaboration.
Derek’s intellectual interests—ranging from game theory and geopolitics to urban history—reveal a mind constantly seeking to understand systems of influence and decision-making. His international experience in Italy, his grounding in history and geography, and his leadership in planning and governance make him a multidimensional thinker capable of balancing local realities with global insights. A certified AICP Planner and GISP Professional, Derek embodies the principle that the most effective leaders are those who can merge science with story, data with empathy, and structure with vision.
Character:
Derek exemplifies integrity, dedication, and humility in every professional endeavor. His career has been guided by a strong moral compass that prioritizes service to community and the ethical application of technology in governance. He inspires confidence through consistency, fairness, and an unwavering belief in collaborative progress.
Knowledge:
With more than three decades of interdisciplinary experience, Derek’s knowledge spans urban planning, public administration, GIS technology, and policy development. His academic and professional pursuits demonstrate a lifelong commitment to learning, application, and mentorship. He is a trusted authority who continuously evolves alongside the industries he serves.
Strategic:
Derek possesses a rare ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable strategy. Whether designing urban systems or facilitating board governance, he approaches every challenge with a balance of vision and practicality. His long-range thinking has shaped sustainable outcomes for cities, schools, and regional institutions.
Communication:
As both a leader and educator, Derek excels in translating technical complexity into accessible insight. His articulate communication style fosters understanding between departments, communities, and boards. Through clarity and empathy, he ensures that dialogue leads to shared progress and informed decision-making.
