In his position as Golden Field Office Director within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Derek Passarelli oversees the critical operations and support functions in Golden that are key to fulfilling EERE’s clean energy mission.  

As GFO Director, he is responsible for oversight and implementation of EERE’s annual $2 billion financial assistance portfolio. He also leads the management and oversight of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the nation’s preeminent laboratory solely dedicated to renewable energy and energy efficient technology R&D and commercialization. 

Derek has served EERE in a variety of roles for the past 15 years, including several leadership positions in Golden: Chief Counsel, Human Resources Director, and Acting Deputy Director. He also served as Senior Advisor to EERE’s Assistant Secretary, Acting Director of EERE’s Business Services, and Acting Budget Director.

Before joining DOE, he worked for the Justice Department and the Resolution Trust Corporation. In addition, he managed his own legal firm that represented local governments and special taxing districts, as well as private business and personal clients. 

He earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Sociology, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and a Master of Arts in Sociology, all from Stanford University.  He received his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center.