Derek Stewart
EHS Professional
Des Moines
Summary
Results-driven EHS Manager with extensive experience leading safety and compliance programs in dynamic environments. Skilled in risk management, regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Strong background in developing environmental, health, and safety strategies, fostering safety culture, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure operational efficiency and employee well-being. Known for delivering impactful results while maintaining a focus on sustainability, safety, and regulatory standards.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
12
12
Certifications
Work History
Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Microsoft
01.2024 - Current
- MICROSOFT DATA CENTER CO&I; Multi-Campus
- Lead strategic EHS initiatives across Microsoft’s data center operations, ensuring compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory standards while driving a culture of safety excellence.
- Develop and execute comprehensive EHS programs, including risk assessments, hazard mitigation, and incident prevention strategies, to support business continuity and operational efficiency.
- Oversee environmental compliance and sustainability efforts, including hazardous materials management, waste reduction, and energy efficiency initiatives, aligning with Microsoft’s corporate sustainability goals.
- Manage safety training and workforce engagement, fostering a proactive EHS culture through leadership development, team training, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Conduct audits, inspections, and data-driven EHS performance analysis, identifying trends, implementing corrective actions, and ensuring continuous improvement in workplace safety.
- Lead emergency response and crisis management protocols, coordinating with internal stakeholders and external agencies to enhance preparedness and minimize operational disruptions.
- Drive business alignment through risk management and compliance reporting, ensuring adherence to industry best practices and corporate EHS policies.
- Partner with executive leadership and operations teams to integrate safety and environmental considerations into strategic decision-making and long-term infrastructure planning.
Critical Environment Field Operations Trainer
Microsoft
03.2022 - 01.2024
- MICROSOFT DATA CENTER CO&I; Multi-Campus
- Serve Des Moines Metropolitan Area Data Centers with >200 customers and learners
- Create, refine, and perform training functions from new hires to seasoned technicians and support roles
- Created, validated, and delivered data center-related training to support over 200 customers and learners
- Provided leadership, mentorship, and guidance to new hires, both during and after onboarding
- Collaborated with site management to prioritize training needs and coverage
- Developed site-specific technical training materials tailored to Microsoft's hazards and processes
- Contributed to Microsoft's growth mindset and culture of inclusion through volunteer activities
Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager
Jones Lang Lasalle
11.2020 - 03.2022
- Contractor with MICROSOFT DSM09-13
- Lead Microsoft Data Center ‘Critical Environment’ operations team to develop, maintain and optimize, training content and tools to exceed compliance with Client service agreements
- Developed a comprehensive Critical Environment Training program, including standards and qualification documents
- Managed training metrics and tracking tools to ensure team progression and safety compliance
- Conducted Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and oversaw corrective action implementation
- Evaluated and addressed deviations from OSHA, EPA, and regulatory requirements
- Conducted regular safety and regulatory inspections
- Created and maintained a document library and safety onboarding resources within Microsoft's suite
Environmental Health & Safety Manager
FEED ENERGY COMPANY
09.2018 - 03.2021
- Company Overview: Riley Resource Group (Family owned for 30+ years)
- Evaluated and addressed regulatory gaps, achieving substantial improvements in compliance
- Managed the workers' compensation process and facilitated return-to-work procedures
- Revamped environmental compliance programs and permitting
- Developed and delivered safety training programs
- Achieved zero recordable incidents at each facility within one year
- Create and maintain document library, in-house produced safety onboarding videos and quizzes within Microsoft Steams, SharePoint, and Forms.
- Achieved 1-year milestones at each facility with zero recordable incidents (Average 4 per year prior to 2018)
- Riley Resource Group (Family owned for 30+ years)
General Supervisor, II & EHS
CARGILL, INC
10.2016 - 03.2018
- Oversee daily production operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Lead and develop frontline teams, providing coaching, training, and performance management to drive productivity.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, and company policies, implementing safety and risk mitigation strategies.
- Collaborate across departments to optimize workflows, reduce downtime, and improve overall plant efficiency.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging Lean principles to enhance processes and reduce waste.
Production Manager
HYDRITE CHEMICAL
08.2011 - 09.2016
- Oversaw highly hazardous operations, emphasizing safety and compliance
- Commissioned PSM-regulated plants and led safety upgrades
- Acted as a subject matter expert for sulfur derivatives and fertilizer production
- Direct and coordinate production activities, ensuring smooth operations while maintaining high safety and quality standards.
- Supervise and mentor production staff, promoting teamwork, accountability, and continuous skill development.
- Implement process improvements, focusing on efficiency, waste reduction, and cost optimization.
- Aligned production goals with business objectives and customer demands.
Education
BACHELOR OF ARTS - Biotechnology
University of Northern Iowa
Skills
Safety Leadership
Training and Development Expertise
Regulatory Compliance Proficiency
Incident Prevention and Root Cause Analysis
Hazard identification
Workplace inspections
Waste management
Transportation safety
Accident investigation
Safety training
Chemical safety
Personal protective equipment
Environmental monitoring
Incident reporting
Air quality management
Certification
Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Board of Certified Safety Professionals
Timeline
Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Microsoft
01.2024 - Current
Critical Environment Field Operations Trainer
Microsoft
03.2022 - 01.2024
Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager
Jones Lang Lasalle
11.2020 - 03.2022
Environmental Health & Safety Manager
FEED ENERGY COMPANY
09.2018 - 03.2021
General Supervisor, II & EHS
CARGILL, INC
10.2016 - 03.2018
Production Manager
HYDRITE CHEMICAL
08.2011 - 09.2016
BACHELOR OF ARTS - Biotechnology
University of Northern Iowa
Similar Profiles
Shubham SinghShubham Singh
Software Developer II (Level 62) at MicrosoftSoftware Developer II (Level 62) at Microsoft
DIVJOT SINGHDIVJOT SINGH
Software Engineer II at MicrosoftSoftware Engineer II at Microsoft
Premlata KumariPremlata Kumari
Technical Program Manager at MicrosoftTechnical Program Manager at Microsoft
REAGAN M. HARKINREAGAN M. HARKIN
Customer Experience Program Mgr., Dragon Copilot at MicrosoftCustomer Experience Program Mgr., Dragon Copilot at Microsoft
Sydney RebelskySydney Rebelsky
Esthetician at FACE FOUNDRIÉEsthetician at FACE FOUNDRIÉ