January 22, 2025

WestWater Welcomes Thomas Austin

We are excited to welcome Thomas Austin as the newest addition to our team at WestWater Research! Thomas joins us as a Research Analyst based in Fort Collins, Colorado, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our mission of understanding and valuing water resources across the Western United States.

Clay Landry, CEO of WestWater, expressed his excitement, “We are thrilled to welcome Thomas Austin to the WestWater team. His expertise and passion for the intersection of economics and water resources align perfectly with our mission. Thomas’s diverse background and dedication to sustainable water management will undoubtedly contribute to the innovative work we do here at WestWater.”

In his role, Thomas will assist with water market research in Colorado and other Western states, while supporting asset valuation for a diverse range of water users. His academic background and hands-on experience make him an excellent fit for WestWater’s work. Thomas earned his Bachelor of Economics from Montana State University, complemented by a minor in Water Resources. During his time at Montana State, he honed his skills in econometric and financial analysis, focusing on assets like land and water. Notably, he developed a series of reports on groundwater, surface water, and wastewater assets in Oakland, California, showcasing his commitment to understanding the complexities of water resources.

Thomas’s journey to WestWater has been anything but conventional. Prior to joining our team, he worked as a fly fishing guide at a premier lodge in the Alaskan wilderness, immersing himself in the natural world and connecting deeply with water ecosystems. Additionally, he used his skills as a writer to cover conservation and outdoor-related topics, further demonstrating his passion for environmental stewardship.

Outside of the office, Thomas is an avid fly angler, cyclist, and trail runner who can often be found exploring the great outdoors. His love for nature and dedication to sustainable resource management align perfectly with WestWater’s vision and values.

Thomas shared his enthusiasm about joining the team, stating, “WestWater’s expertise in the Western water sector is unparalleled, and I am excited to join a team working at the cutting edge of water market research and water asset valuation. My academic training at the intersection of economics and water resources reflects my drive to help create a more efficient and sustainable water future. Working at WestWater provides me with an outstanding opportunity to achieve that goal.”

We are thrilled to have Thomas on board and can’t wait to see the contributions he will make to our team and the water markets we serve. Please join us in giving Thomas a warm welcome to WestWater Research!

 

Thomas Austin

(970) 212-1956

[email protected]

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Water Policy and Law 
  • Economic and Financial Analysis 
  • Environmental Conservation 

EDUCATION

  • B.S. Economics and Minor in Water Resources, Montana State University, 2023 

EXPERIENCE

  • Research Analyst, WestWater Research, 2024-Present 
  • Wilderness Education and Leadership, 2021-2024