Derrick Smith became the Memphis District deputy district engineer for programs and project management (DPM) earlier this year. In this position, Smith is responsible for the development and execution of the district’s Civil Works, Construction, and Maintenance Program budget. Also, as principal advisor to the district commander, Smith helps lead the district in carrying out responsibilities in flood damage reduction, navigation, environmental stewardship, emergency operations, work for others, and other authorized civil works across an area spanning 610 miles of the Mississippi and White Rivers and a 25,000 square mile area that touches six states: Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi.
Smith’s role also involves managing and executing a robust civil works program averaging $200 to $300 million annually. From the early stages in planning and construction to the final phases of maintenance and operations, his oversight spans the full lifecycle of a large portfolio consisting of water resources infrastructure. Lastly, Smith serves as chair for the Memphis District’s Project Review Board (PRB). In this role, he provides executive oversight of the district’s fiscal performance, with much of his work instrumental in driving the district’s 125% budget growth over the course of 4 years.
Smith brings 34 years of federal service and a depth of experience to his position, along with wide-ranging expertise in federal finance, project management, program management, and strategic budgeting. Before his role as DPM, he served as the assistant deputy for the Project Management and Regional Channel Improvement Program. As assistant deputy, he acted as primary advisor to the deputy for project management, focusing on developing the district’s outreach programs and managing the Regional Channel Improvement Program across the Memphis, Vicksburg, and New Orleans Districts.
Smith’s career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began with designing river structures. He later transitioned to one of the district’s largest, most complex projects: the Mississippi River and Tributaries Channel Improvement Project (MR&T). Of the 25 years he spent working in MR&T, Smith served 15 years as its project manager. In this role, his extensive experience and deep knowledge of crisis management proved invaluable in successfully executing $175 million in Disaster Relief funds following the historic 2011 flood.
Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Memphis. He is married to his wife, Amber, and they are the proud parents of two daughters.