Brent Newman

Brent Newman is the Program Director for the Mississippi River Water Initiative. In this role, he aligns the work of three regional offices, several centers and sanctuaries, and national strategy teams to achieve conservation results for birds and communities in the Mississippi River basin. The Mississippi River Water Initiative partners with stakeholders, advocates, and decision-makers to improve and preserve critical habitat while fostering community resilience.

Previously, Brent served as Director of Policy for Audubon Delta, leading conservation and natural resources priorities across a three-state regional footprint, specifically on coastal, climate, and energy issues in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. As part of Audubon's participation in the Restore the Mississippi River Delta (MRD) coalition, he advocated for appropriate funding and comprehensive planning for coastal restoration and Mississippi River management, working with state, federal, and non-governmental entities and funding streams. He engaged with state and local governments on climate change initiatives, including emissions reduction goals, renewable portfolio standards, and equitable community engagement. Additionally, he has participated in working groups and conservation-based advocacy efforts advancing the concept of wind energy as an economic driver and climate-friendly enterprise for the Gulf Coast. Brent joined Audubon Louisiana in 2019, with a focus on state policy and Audubon's involvement in the MRD coalition.

Before Audubon, Brent served as a Section Chief for the Colorado Water Conservation Board, where he represented the State of Colorado on a variety of water policy issues which implicated the entire American Southwest, including adaptation to extreme drought on the Colorado River system, management and compliance with interstate water allocation compacts, cross boundary water quality issues, invasive species management, endangered species recovery, and the implementation of projects and processes to address water supply needs and multi-purpose benefits. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.