Derek Sharron
Nominated for: 30 Over 30 Award
Title: Sr. Global Director - Environment, Health, Safety, Security & Sustainability
Company: H.B. Fuller
Years in Profession:
Nominator: Lara Hilliard, Benchmark Gensuite, colleague of Derek.
Tell us why this person deserves recognition for making a difference in the practice of EHS & Sustainability management. (500 words max.)*
Derek Sharron, the EHS Director at HB Fuller, has profoundly influenced EHS & Sustainability management. His engaging and motivational demeanor has cultivated a strong safety culture within the company, improving employee morale and promoting proactive safety measures.
Under his leadership, HB Fuller has made significant strides in sustainability, demonstrating an impressive commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Derek is exceptional at fostering open communication with all levels of the company and external stakeholders, ensuring an inclusive approach to EHS management.
Derek has also led comprehensive training programs, ensuring employees are knowledgeable about their role in EHS. Despite the challenges of navigating complex regulations and potential workplace hazards, Derek's resilience is evident. His efforts in advancing EHS practices and sustainability standards deserve significant recognition.
Describe a situation or initiative where the nominee was directly responsible for a significant achievement and/or advancement in the practice of EHS & Sustainability management. Include metrics and KPIs if available. (500 words max.)*
Derek's inclusive approach has led to increased reporting of safety and sustainability data. His method of involving everyone in EHS decisions has nurtured a collective sense of responsibility. As a result, more individuals are actively participating in data reporting, leading to improved safety measures and contributing to the company's sustainability goals. Even with an increase in the reporting of EHS concerns, under this culture of inclusiveness, the rate of workplace injuries has significantly decreased.
In your opinion, what are the predominant skills and attributes that directly contribute to the nominee’s effectiveness and success? (500 words max.)*
Derek Sharron's effectiveness and success as the Director of EHS at HB Fuller are a result of several key skills and attributes.
Leadership and Team Management: Derek's strong leadership and adept team management skills have cultivated a supportive and collaborative work environment. His guidance has been instrumental in the proactive identification and resolution of potential hazards, leading to a decrease in workplace incidents.
Comprehensive Training: Derek's dedication to developing comprehensive training programs has equipped employees with essential knowledge and skills. His commitment to a proactive safety culture has been significant in reducing workplace mishaps.
Inclusivity: Derek's inclusivity sets him apart. His approach of involving staff at all levels in decision-making has fostered a collective sense of responsibility, encouraging more reporting of safety and sustainability data.
Communication Skills: Derek's open communication style has enhanced transparency within the organization. This environment of openness has encouraged more individuals to contribute safety and sustainability data, improving safety measures and helping achieve the company's sustainability goals.
In essence, Derek's leadership, commitment to training, inclusivity, and excellent communication skills have made him highly effective in his role, contributing to the substantial reduction of injuries and enhancement of EHS practices at HB Fuller.
Share the ways this nominee has positively influenced you, both personally and professionally. You may also include reflections and quotes from others including executives, direct reports, colleagues, suppliers, and clients. (500 words max.)*
As EHS Director at HB Fuller, Derek Sharron's influence goes beyond his strategic contributions. He's a leader who recognizes potential and advocates for his team's development.
I can personally attest to this. Derek saw my capability in creating data analytics and dashboards, rewarding my hard work with a well-deserved raise. This endorsement boosted my self-confidence, inspiring me to continue excelling in my role.
His impact, however, extends further. He continually looks for growth opportunities for his team, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and motivated. His leadership has fostered a nurturing work environment that promotes individual and collective advancement.
More than just a director, Derek has been a mentor. His encouragement to take on new challenges has had a profound impact on my career trajectory and the professional growth of my peers. Thanks to his leadership, we have become a team that continually learns, improves, and contributes effectively to our company's EHS and sustainability goals.
Provide one or more examples of nominee’s commitment to environmental stewardship within their organization and/or the community. (500 words max.)*
Derek Sharron, as EHS Director at HB Fuller, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to enhancing the company's environmental stewardship. One of his noteworthy achievements is his instrumental role in the formation of the Global Sustainability Technical Committee. This committee now serves a pivotal role in driving HB Fuller's sustainability initiatives, furthering the company's commitment to environmental responsibility. Additionally, Derek has taken significant steps to streamline the process for sustainability-related projects to attain capital expenditure funds, marking a substantial advancement in promoting and facilitating sustainability efforts within the company.