Meet James Newton

James serves on the Board of Supervisors for Brave Terrain, bringing a unique combination of practitioner experience, academic research, and program evaluation expertise to support the organization's mission of healing and personal transformation through adventure-based therapeutic experiences.
He is a doctoral candidate in Research, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment at the University of Southern Mississippi and currently serves as a Fair & Responsible Banking Analyst at Hancock Whitney Bank, specializing in predictive analytics, business intelligence, and program evaluation. His academic interests focus on leadership development, self-efficacy, and the assessment of programs designed to create meaningful and lasting change.
His commitment to experiential learning and outdoor leadership began early through Scouting, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and continued throughout his career as an educator, mentor, and wilderness leader.

As a Team Leader with the Operation Flinders Foundation in Australia, he guided at-risk youth through challenging wilderness expeditions designed to foster resilience, self-confidence, and personal responsibility. He later conducted graduate research examining the leadership and facilitation practices of adventure therapy team leaders and has presented nationally and internationally on adventure therapy, youth development, and experiential learning. Throughout his career, he has worked to help individuals and organizations realize their potential through leadership development, service, and evidence-based practice. He is honored to support Brave Terrain's work in creating opportunities for healing, growth, and renewed purpose.

Join the Adventure

Kenneth Delaune's bio

Kenneth Delaune serves as Founder and President of Brave Terrain, bringing a unique combination of military service, emergency response experience, occupational safety leadership, and outdoor adventure expertise to support the organization's mission of fostering resilience, personal growth, and healing through challenging outdoor experiences. He currently serves as the Director of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) Programs for a government contractor, where he oversees regulatory compliance, risk management, safety management systems, and organizational performance across complex operations. He holds a degree in Occupational Health and Environmental Studies and has dedicated his professional career to protecting people, developing safety cultures, and leading teams in high-risk environments. His commitment to service began in the United States Navy and continued through his work as a Tactical SWAT Team member and Special Response Team (SRT) Medic, where he gained extensive experience in emergency response, leadership under pressure, and supporting individuals through challenging circumstances. These experiences reinforced his belief in the power of resilience, teamwork, and purposeful challenge as tools for personal growth and transformation. An avid outdoorsman and lifelong athlete, Kenneth is a Certified High Angle Rescue Technician with a passion for mountaineering, wilderness travel, technical rescue, and outdoor leadership. He has long recognized the transformative impact that adventure and the natural environment can have on confidence, self-efficacy, and personal development. As a competitive lacrosse player and outdoor enthusiast, he continues to pursue opportunities that challenge both mind and body while encouraging others to do the same. Through Brave Terrain, Kenneth is committed to creating meaningful experiences that help participants discover strength, build resilience, and develop a renewed sense of purpose through adventure, connection, and personal achievement. He is honored to lead the organization in creating opportunities for individuals to overcome adversity and realize their full potential.