WaterPro Conference 2026

Charles Stephens
Senior Executive Policy Director
NRWA


Charles has served his country for over 25 years, having begun his career in the U.S. Army. After serving ten years in the military, he started his civilian career as a Budget Analyst for the Defense Logistics Agency. Most recently, Charles served as Assistant Administrator for Water and Environmental Programs for USDA Rural Development where he oversaw the funding programs that provided financing to thousands of rural communities across the country. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wayland Baptist University and a master’s degree in public administration from Strayer University. In 2015, Charles completed the Leadership for a Democratic Society program at the Federal Executive Institute. In his role at NRWA, Charles will act as a policy expert in rural development, water infrastructure funding and financing, and implementation of USDA’s technical assistance and training programs.

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