Doug Newman

Mr. Newman is the founder and Director of the Smart Self Reliance Initiative and serves as Executive Director for the Seniors Independent Living Collaborative. Over the past five years he has designed and managed smart technology assistance and consumer engagement projects to improve the quality of life and independence of older adults and persons with disabilities.

Prior to his current focus, he spent more than three decades developing and managing innovative technology transfer projects and programs for government agencies, utilities and independent research entities in the United States and abroad. During this period, he served as senior program analyst and technology transfer specialist for three administrators of the US Environmental Protection Agency and as Director of External Affairs for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Washington, DC.

His expertise developing and managing consumer education and training initiatives was gained through his post as the first Program Director for the Congressionally chartered National Environmental Education and Training Foundation and as the Director of the National Energy Center for Sustainable Communities. He co-authored the Consumer’s Guide to Smart Home Devices and Services, the Care Provider’s Guide to Smart Home Devices and Services, and Smart Devices and Services for Independent Living. He has also authored numerous publications related to sustainable urban planning and development. He holds master’s degrees in urban and regional planning and public policy and administration.