40 under 40: Devin Middlebrook, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Tahoe Chamber | June 12, 2018 | 40 Under 40
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Lago Panguipulli, a lake in southern Chile, looks a lot like Lake Tahoe did in the 1960’s—immensely beautiful, yet being encroached upon by rapid, unregulated development.
Devin Middlebrook, the Sustainability Program Coordinator for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), was recently part of a small, local convoy that spent 12 days in Chile, helping share knowledge and experience with elected officials and locals in the region.
The goal of the trip was to help people in the region get ahead of the curve and preserve its natural environment and resources, avoiding mistakes made in Lake Tahoe prior to the creation of TRPA.
The trip represents a small slice of the life of Middlebrook, a Tahoe local who has devoted his professional career to community sustainability. He’s the executive director of Tahoe Regional Young Professionals and is a leader in the community in other initiatives, too.
Congratulations to Devin Middlebrook, the latest honoree of our 40 under 40 series!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
In my role at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, I manage the Lake Tahoe Sustainable Communities Program which addresses climate change adaptation and mitigation. Several of the projects I am currently working on include accelerating the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, addressing sustainable recreation issues at Tahoe, and promoting renewable energy.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
I just returned from Chile where I represented Lake Tahoe as an international expert on sustainability, regional development, and tourism. We spent a week meeting with government, non-governmental organizations (NGO), and community representatives to help them develop a regional plan for Lago Panguipulli and the Los Rios Region of Southern Chile. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to visit a new country and assist them in preventing what happened to Tahoe in the 1950’s and 60’s before the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency was established.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you try to live by?
“Get s*** done.” Nothing is perfect; put your work out in the world and see what happens.
What was your first job?
Washing dishes at Lake Tahoe Golf Course. It taught me to work under pressure and I met my wife there.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
I live about one mile from where I grew up. Simple answer: Tahoe is Tahoe. But I will say, everyone that grows up here should leave for some period. It’s important to experience the world outside of Tahoe, too.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I am the current executive director for the Tahoe Regional Young Professionals, a networking group in town that strives to empower the next generation of community leaders. Being involved with this group has enabled me to become a leader in the community.
I am also involved in a lot of random projects in town like fighting for food trucks, Mountains Work, and trying to bring a park to Ski Run. I like to do cool stuff with creative people. You don’t need formal authority to make Tahoe a better place.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
The obvious Tahoe answer—going outside. Or eating tacos at Chimayo Tacos Y Tortas.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
The “Y”. It is finally becoming what this town always needed: a local downtown.
Get in touch with Devin today:
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
775-589-5230
Email Devin