Austin Thompson-Spain

Austin is a Senior Program Manager at the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. In this role, Austin assists with the Alliance’s technical assistance and field-building work as part of its National Environmental Finance Center. Before joining the Alliance, Austin was an Associate Director at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Environmental Finance Center (UNC EFC). During her time at the UNC EFC, Austin led rates and finance-related technical assistance, applied research projects, and trainings for utility practitioners across the country. Prior to this, Austin pursued a PhD at NC State University, focusing her research on the connection between environmental finance and social equity. In addition to her PhD, Austin holds a BS in biological sciences from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University. Outside of work, you will probably find Austin trail running, riding her bike, or playing copious rounds of fetch with her dog.