Derek Masaki Candidate Statement 2021

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Derek Masaki, Systems Development Branch Chief at USGS National Geospatial Technical Operation Center, Candidate for Information Technology & Interoperability (IT&I) Chair

Derek Masaki is Systems Development Branch Chief at the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operation Center (NGTOC) in Denver, Colorado. His development teams are responsible for the tools, services, applications and data that produce the US National Hydrography Dataset, 3D Elevation For the Nation, US Topo Products, provision the National Map Viewer and host the delivery platforms for the national lidar dataset, historical topographic maps, and national ortho imagery. Prior to his current position, Derek served as IT Chief at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, in Laurel Maryland.  

The USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC) is responsible for implementing the products and services for the USGS National Geospatial Program.  

Derek is affiliated with the USGS Core Science Systems Mission Area, led by Associate Director Kevin Gallagher.  The Mission Area includes the National Geospatial Program (NGP), Land Change Science Program, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program, Science Analytics and Synthesis,  National Land Imaging Program, and the USGS Library.

Derek recently concluded a four year term as board member of the Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS), he still serves as SCGIS Domestic Chapters National Committee Chair, working with local chapters across the US to support workshops, demonstrations and regional events.  He is a coordinating member of the USGS Community For Data Integration (CDI), leading the DevOps IT Working Group, responsible for a technical forum focused on Agile/DevSecOps topics that involve cross-agency technical staff.

Throughout his professional career, Derek has been engaged in technical innovation focused on earth science and biodiversity challenges.  He has made community outreach a top priority at each level in his journey from technician to senior manager, through instruction, mentorship, informal working groups and formal coordinating bodies.  

Derek sees this role as ESIP IT&I Committee Chair as an incredible opportunity to connect with the diverse earth science community and aid in the dissemination and transfer of technical knowledge that we each are developing in our respective areas of influence.  

Thank you for your consideration of Derek in this position.