Transportation Executive • Podcast Host • Content Strategist
Derek Minnema has spent his career at the intersection of infrastructure, leadership, and innovation. As the Executive Director of the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority (JPA), he is responsible for guiding one of California’s most ambitious regional transportation projects—improving mobility, safety, and economic opportunity for the communities it serves.
With decades of experience in the public sector and a proven track record of delivering high-impact projects, Derek is recognized nationally for his expertise in transportation funding, project strategy, and public engagement.
As the Executive Director, he has specialized in coalition building, government affairs, and has been at the forefront of major funding initiatives.
Minnema was recognized in 2022 by the Sacramento Region Business Association as their Public Servant of the Year. Numerous transportation projects he has delivered have received awards and been showcased for their success in improving California’s transportation network.
Mr. Minnema is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).
Mr. Minnema’s sense of community responsibility is a hallmark of both his personal and professional life. In this regard, Mr. Minnema was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the American River Flood Control District from 2004 to 2012, elected to serve on the Rollingwood Homeowners Association in 2022, and currently serves as President of the Transportation Officials Division of ARTBA.
A native of Northern California, Minnema graduated from CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering in 2002. He currently resides in Fair Oaks, CA with his wife and their three sons.
Under his leadership, the Capital SouthEast Connector Expressway cleared over 20 miles of environmental approvals, obtained 50-year regulatory permits, secured new funding from various federal, state, regional and local sources, and over $100 million in improvements was completed.
While Derek’s public service role is focused on advancing infrastructure at scale, his personal platform—DerekMinnema.com—extends his impact beyond agency walls.
Here, he shares:
His approach blends technical knowledge with strategic communication, empowering leaders to navigate complexity with clarity.
