WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute today announced that Preston Beard has joined as Director of Policy overseeing the Chamber’s growing focus on chemicals.
A Louisiana native, Beard brings a wide variety of government and political experience. Most recently, he was Senior Advisor to the Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement at the Department of Interior, serving as the de facto Chief of Staff to an agency with more than 780 employees charged with overseeing safety of the offshore energy industry. In addition to his policy work, Beard has rare bipartisan political experience, having served as Director of Operations for Democratic U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu’s campaign and Political Director for Louisiana Republican Scott Angelle’s Congressional campaign.
“Preston brings a unique skill set and expertise to our Chamber team,” said Marty Durbin, President of the U.S. Chamber’s Global Energy Institute. “The chemical industry is vital to almost every component of our economy, and the Chamber is engaged in the most pressing issues impacting the sector. Preston’s experience working with industry in a heavily regulated environment and his relationships on both sides of the aisle will help assist our members in this important area.”
As part of his portfolio, Beard will lead the Chamber’s Chemistry Solutions Working Group, a platform for companies across the Chamber’s broad membership to advocate for commonsense approaches to chemicals policy that support business, environmental, economic, and public health goals.
