Encore Electric has promoted Derek Varnell to vice president of data centers, a strategic move as the company continues to expand its presence in the growing data center construction market.
In his new role, Varnell will oversee all data center construction operations and support project teams across Encore Electric’s portfolio. He will collaborate closely with Vice Presidents Scott Larson and JR Bond as part of the company’s broader leadership structure.
“It has been an honor to work with such an amazing team for the entirety of my career. To be a part of this team and witness the growth through determination and strength has been unimaginably exciting,” Varnell said. “I have been very fortunate in my career to be surrounded by incredibly smart professionals and am humbled by our team’s ability and devotion. As we continue to navigate the market of data center construction, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us all.”
Encore Electric President Andy Gordon praised Varnell’s contributions over the years, saying, “Derek’s experience over the past decade has prepared him for this next step in his career. His proficiency in collaborating with our customers and supporting project teams has significantly contributed to our expansion in the data center construction market. We are excited to see where his leadership will take us in the future.”
Varnell has been with Lakewood-based Encore Electric for 18 years and is recognized for his leadership in developing data centers across Northern Colorado and Wyoming. He was promoted to Director of the Northern Business Unit in 2020, where he led the region’s growth while managing complex data center projects in states including Washington, Texas, Utah and Iowa.
A Colorado native, Varnell began his career at Encore Electric as an intern while studying construction management at Colorado State University. He advanced through several key leadership roles on his way to becoming a vice president.