Derek Young is a veteran CSR/Sustainability and communications professional with nearly 17 years of experience. He is recognized as a thought leader capable of working across industries, analyzing and determining needs and opportunities for value creation and building and delivering strategic CSR/Sustainability programs, messaging and branding campaigns, and community and stakeholder engagement efforts.
Derek has worked in the public policy, non-profit, for profit and consulting sectors and has developed deep experience in the areas of strategic analysis, corporate sustainability, communications, message development and branding, energy and water efficiency, corporate responsibility, non-profit partnerships, charitable giving, and community and stakeholder engagement.
Derek has helped to start and lead CSR and Sustainability programs at several corporations and most recently developed and lead the Responsible Business function globally for TGI Fridays restaurant chain. In 2014 Derek joined Edelman Public Relations as a contract employee providing council and support to the Dallas offices corporate and consumer practice areas as well as providing subject matter expertise on Business and Social Purpose issues. He supports clients ranging from an innovative biosciences company to an international non-profit focused on reducing food waste and alleviating childhood hunger.
Derek is part of several boards including the Grant Advisory Board for The Pollination Project, the Steering Committee for the Dallas Corporate Citizenship Network the Food Advisory Council for the North Texas Food Bank and has served as a past Advisory Council member for Sustainable Brands.
