Bart Mihailovich

Bart became Waterkeeper Alliance’s first Affiliate Coordinator in 2014, charged with spearheading the Affiliate Program and supporting Waterkeeper Affiliates. Prior to joining Waterkeeper, Bart spent four years as the Spokane Riverkeeper in Spokane, Washington, working to protect and defend the Spokane River watershed. As Spokane Riverkeeper, Bart served some time on the Waterkeeper Council, and was instrumental in the founding of the regional entity, Waterkeepers Washington. Under Bart’s watch, Spokane Riverkeeper established itself as a major force for change for clean water in both the states of Washington and Idaho, and became a major player in the international fight over coal and oil exporting. In Bart’s tenure, Spokane Riverkeeper was behind the largest environmental settlement in Spokane history, groundbreaking state legislation that banned phosphorus dish detergent and lawn fertilizers, and a paradigm shift in the way local communities think about their freshwater resources.

Born and raised in Butte, Montana, Bart has always been around rivers, and from a young age cultivated a sense of ecological and social justice in relation to clean water. Bart holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Eastern Washington University. In 2011, Bart was recognized for his outstanding public service contributions with a Peirone Award, given by the Pacific Northwest Inlander. In 2013 he was recognized by both the Spokane Businesses Catalyst Magazine and by Eastern Washington University in their respective “20 under 40” lists. And in 2014 he was awarded the Inspirational Young Alumnus Award from his alma matter, Eastern Washington University.

Bart and his wife Sara and their son Emmett make their home in Missoula, Montana having previously lived in Spokane, Washington for 14 years. They enjoy outdoor activities, live music and traveling.