Preston Beard
- Director of Policy, Global Energy Institute, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Preston Beard is Director of Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Energy Institute (GEI), where he oversees the Chamber's chemicals portfolio and leads the Chemistry Solutions Working Group, a cross-sector platform that unites companies across the Chamber's broad membership to advance commonsense chemicals policy supporting business competitiveness, environmental stewardship, economic growth, and public health. Under his leadership, the Working Group hosts annual convenings at the Chamber, bringing together industry stakeholders to drive meaningful progress on chemicals policy. Beard also spearheads the Chamber's work on recycling and extended producer responsibility (EPR), tracking and engaging on the rapidly evolving state legislative landscape to ensure business voices are heard as policymakers shape the future of America's recycling infrastructure.
Prior to joining the Chamber, Beard served as Senior Advisor to the Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) at the U.S. Department of the Interior, functioning as de facto Chief of Staff to an agency of more than 780 employees charged with safeguarding the nation's offshore energy industry. His experience spans both sides of the aisle: he served as Director of Operations for Democratic U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu's campaign and as Political Director for Louisiana Republican Scott Angelle's Congressional campaign, a testament to his ability to build coalitions and navigate complex political landscapes.
A Louisiana native, Beard now calls Washington, D.C. home, where he lives with his wife and two children.
