Profiles of African Americans at EPA: Jonathan Newton
Profiles of African Americans at EPA
Jonathan Newton, Division Director
Office of Information Access
Washington, DC
Where were you born?
Bronx, New York.
What brought you to EPA?
I developed a passion for public interest while serving as a Teaching Assistant in Harvard's Trial Advocacy Program. After clerking in the Department of Justice Honor Program, and serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County New York, I was led to EPA's Office of General Counsel where I resolved Freedom of Information Access appeals and defended FOIA lawsuits.
What type of work do you do at EPA?
As Division Director I provide legal advice, policy, recommendations, and administrative oversight for a subdivision of the Office of the Administrator. Our division processes a large volume of complex FOIA request involving the records of EPA's senior leadership. I also serve as Director of the U.S. EPA Trial Advocacy Institute which provides trial advocacy training to attorneys from across the Agency.
What is your highest level of education? What was your major?
I have a law degree (Juris Doctor) from Harvard Law School.
What message would you like to send other Black/African Americans who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?
Go for it! Think big, identify ambitious goals, then ask detailed questions about the steps needed to achieve those goals. Commit yourself to building on every opportunity as appreciation for the hardships people endured so you could have the chance.