Institution/Organization: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Email Address: kendra.abkowitz@tn.gov
Committee(s): Collaborator
Kendra Abkowitz Brooks is Director for the Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices. Kendra leads the department’s efforts to engage in environmental policy research and analysis and provide technical guidance to business, industry, communities and other entities to promote environmental stewardship. She regularly engages with federal agencies on topics that may impact TDEC’s programs and collaborates with diverse stakeholders to exchange views on matters relevant to environmental policy and sustainability. Kendra also supports implementation of departmental strategic planning initiatives and oversees the department’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights act of 1964. Kendra’s work spans a variety of complex, multidisciplinary topics including environmental justice, water reuse and infrastructure, climate resilience, emerging contaminants, soil reuse, and energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Previously, she served as Policy Analyst, Senior Policy Analyst and Director for the Office of Policy & Planning. Prior to working at TDEC, Kendra served as a Sustainability Professional at Vanderbilt University. Kendra holds a PhD in Environmental Management and Policy and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Sociology from Vanderbilt University, a MBA from Middle Tennessee State University, and a Master’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Chicago.