Employee Spotlight – Meet Derek Dilks

by mowery | February 27, 2019 | Employee Spotlight |

Derek Dilks began his construction career 20 years ago and has continued to hone his passion for preserving, restoring and adaptively reusing historic properties around the region ever since.

In his role as Mowery’s director of real estate development, Derek uses his self-described “entrepreneurial spirit” and belief that “there’s always a better and more efficient way to do virtually anything” to bring exciting, new urban renewal and reuse projects to life. 

“We are simply the best in the markets we serve. We care the most; we always do the right thing and we build every project as if it’s our own,” says Derek. “It’s Mowery’s commitment to excellence and innovative vision for the future that sets the company apart.”

Derek holds membership in several professional organizations committed to economic development and historic preservation, including the Historic Harrisburg Association which he previously served as president; the Urban Land Institute; and the York County Economic Alliance. He was the recipient of the Mayor’s Historic Preservation and Distinguished Service Awards for his work in the city of Harrisburg, and he serves as a board member for Keystone Kidspace, a nonprofit startup museum in York, Pennsylvania. 

“I believe it’s important to give back to the community in areas where we can offer our expertise and impact change for the better,” said Derek.

“Derek’s energy and commitment to never accepting the status quo make him an outstanding member of the team,” says David Cross, president of Mowery. “He’s always looking for ways to do things differently and more efficiently for our clients.”

Outside of the office, Derek is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking and off-roading with his wife and kids. A preservationist at heart, he also enjoys visiting historic U.S. cities. Derek is married, has four children and lives in Camp Hill.

Quick fact: Derek’s favorite television program is BBC’s “Fawlty Towers.”