Derek Harbison

Derek Harbison has a diverse work experience in the engineering and construction industry. Derek currently works at Gallagher-Kaiser Corporation as a Project Engineer, specializing in automotive paint finishing. In this role, they lead project designs for paint sludge treatment systems, process and building ventilation, and VOC abatement. Derek also coordinates overall factory layout design.

Prior to this, Derek worked at CAVU Construction as an Assistant Project Manager. During their time there, they managed construction projects in healthcare and government sectors, ensuring safe work practices and quality workmanship. Derek also estimated and developed project proposals for various industries.

Derek previously worked at Gallagher-Kaiser Corporation as a Field Engineer, where they led mechanical engineering activities for assembly plant demolition, paint process equipment installation, and facility upgrades. Derek also drove cost reduction through constructability surveys and assisted with project estimating and subcontract awarding.

Before that, Derek held multiple roles at Gallagher-Kaiser Corporation, including Engineering Associate and Training Coordinator. As an Engineering Associate, they supported sales and engineering activities for various systems and assisted with plant refurbishment. As a Training Coordinator, they prepared operation and maintenance manuals, organized spare parts data, and provided training to maintenance workers.

Overall, Derek has demonstrated expertise in project management, mechanical engineering, and construction in the automotive and healthcare/government sectors.

Derek Harbison completed their education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn from 2012 to 2015. Derek earned a degree in Journalism & Screen Studies with a focus on Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. Prior to attending the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Derek spent a year at Ball State University in 2011-2012 studying Telecommunications. In addition to their formal education, Derek has obtained several certifications including NFPA 13 (2022), Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems from the NFPA in July 2022, Procore Certified: Superintendent from Procore Technologies in September 2021, and OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health from the OSHA Training Institute Education Center at the University of Texas Arlington in March 2020.