Derek Ross named director of the Office of Planning, Design and Construction.

Under Secretary for Administration Ron Cortez announced April 6 that Ross, who has been Acting Director of OPDC, will assume permanent leadership of the office.

Derek Ross, RA, LEED AP, has been named Director of Smithsonian Facilities’ Office of Planning, Design, and Construction. Ross has been Acting Director for the past year and has demonstrated the expertise, judgment, and leadership ability essential for the permanent role. He will report directly to Under Secretary for Administration Ron Cortez.

This year Ross will celebrate three full decades of service to the Smithsonian. He began his career as a Construction Manager responsible for projects on the South Mall and just four years later was named Chief of Construction. Since that time, Ross has been instrumental in the successful completion of virtually every major construction project undertaken by the Institution.  

Ross earned a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from The University of Miami. He holds Architecture Registrations in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia, is certified in Erosion and Sediment Control for the State of Maryland, and is an accredited professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP).

He assumed the role of Acting Director of OPDC in March 2021 following the retirement of Director Walt Ennaco. OPDC oversees and executes a wide range of design, construction, and real estate services for diverse stakeholders in eight states, the District of Columbia, and Panama. In addition to providing strategic direction for all OPDC activities, Derek has continued to serve as Deputy Director for Construction Management, with current priorities including renovation of the National Air and Space Museum, renovation of the National Zoological Park Birdhouse, and panel replacement for the Hirshhorn Museum.

“Derek’s tremendous experience and knowledge will be invaluable as we undertake construction of the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and revitalization of the National Mall’s historic core among other significant projects,” said Cortez.

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