Mike Newman

Mike Newman has extensive experience in the business and environmental sectors. Mike began their career in 1997 as an intern for the Office of Congressman Richard Gephardt. Mike then worked for the Sierra Club in 1998 as a National Political Representative, where they directed political activities in 20 states, coordinated more than 1,000 activists, and secured $500k in PAC contributions. In 1999, they were elected President of the 115-member union, John Muir Local 100, and successfully negotiated a contract supported by 90% of union members. In 2002, they worked as an Intern for the Wikyo Akala Project, where they analyzed marketing, production, and export strategies of a sandal company in Nairobi, Kenya and recommended improvements to organizational structure. In 2003, they took on the role of Vice President of Marketing for ReCellular, where they built and led the company's first marketing department, signed three of the largest phone carriers to long-term contracts, and streamlined product lines. In 2010, they founded Walloon Woodworks. In 2011, they founded stkr.it and raised $800k in a Series A funding round. In 2015, they were President of Manifest Flight, launching in November of that year. Finally, in 2017, they became CEO of Returnity Innovations, where they build and manages cross-functional teams to execute the design, manufacturing, and implementation of recyclable, light yet durable, reusable bags and boxes.

Mike Newman completed a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy from the University of Michigan in 1996. Mike then went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the University of Michigan - School of Business, which they completed in 2003.