Beth Hughes-Brown
Beth Hughes-Brown was named as the director of the Office of Program and Budget on Sept. 9, 2024. The Office is responsible for an annual budget of over $3 billion in appropriated funds for the 5,400+ employee Bureau of Reclamation.
The Office formulates and recommends to the Commissioner all policies, procedures, and directives pertaining to budgets, and ensures that all programs comply with Congressional and OMB requirements, and in accordance with all laws, rules, and regulations.
Hughes-Brown joined Reclamation's Program and Budget Office in 2010 as a branch chief overseeing budget formulation and later managing budget execution. In 2012, she was promoted to deputy director, where she managed day-to-day activities and Program and Budget Office staff.
Before joining Reclamation, Hughes-Brown managed budgets in the legislative and executive branches of government and the District of Columbia government. She presided over large budgets and staffs, as well as budgets at smaller agencies—where she directed the entire administrative and financial functions, as well as Information Technology and Human Resources.
Hughes-Brown earned her undergraduate degree in physics from Georgetown University. She holds a master's degree in music from Catholic University. Her performance credentials vary widely and include directing and acting in many operas, musicals and shows, both professionally and in community theater in Fairfax, Virginia, where she resides with her husband. She is eagerly awaiting the birth of her new grandchild in November.
