Derek A. Walters is the Communications and Outreach Manager at the EERC, where he is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of all external communications and public relations. This includes maintaining local, regional, and national media relations; producing news releases and op/eds, and other publications; creating and maintaining marketing brochures, fact sheets, and displays; and developing print and Web advertising campaigns. Mr. Walters develops marketing plans, organizes press conferences, and oversees the management of the EERC's public Web site and all other online properties. He schedules and leads general tour groups, arranges local speaking engagements for EERC senior management, and makes all arrangements for the EERC's exhibit booth and travels to national trade shows.

Mr. Walters also oversees the planning and management of EERC outreach events, such as workshops, short courses, and special events, including site contracts, sponsorship, registration activities, as well as assisting with on-site event facilitation. He also manages the marketing strategies, including arranging all media relations, advertising, and promotions, for large EERC conferences. Mr. Walters received his bachelor's degree in Communications with an emphasis on Broadcast Journalism from the University of North Dakota in 1999. He spent several years as a news photographer, reporter, and anchor for Fargo-based KXJB-TV CBS 4. He also worked in marketing and sponsorship for the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Walters is actively involved in the community and has served as Board Chair of the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks United Way.