Beard, Dewaine

Describe your background, interests, and vocation.

I was raised on a small family farm in central Ohio where I fell in love with the outdoors and power tools. I left the farm to go off to college and graduate school in the big city of Chicago in my twenties. What followed was a 30 year career helping the Department of Veterans Affairs deliver support and services through technology. In 2019 I became a senior federal executive and retired in the fall of 2025. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to bring my organizational skills as well as my love of manual labor to serving the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy.

I have volunteered for the Conservancy since 2005 primarily as a maintenance volunteer for the Baker Trail and “mower” for the Rachel Carson. I have provided support to the board through reports on the Baker Trail condition. I love to help people get out into nature and hike our trails.

Why would you like to be on the RCTC Board?

I have over 30 years of operational and leadership experience from my time at the Department of Veterans Affairs, combined with 21 years of experience working with the RCTC building trails, leading hikes, and getting to know the communities along the trail. I would be honored to bring all those skills to the service of the organization.

What makes you a good addition to the RCTC Board?

I have extensive experience building trails, working with land owners, the Army Corps of Engineers, developing operational plans, implementing effective governance, writing policy, and managing operational functions like budget/finance, Human Resources, and Audit and Compliance.