Rail Experience: Beard has nearly three decades of experience in the railroad industry, primarily focused on short line and regional operations in California. As president and CEO of Sierra Northern Railway, he oversees freight operations that connect local industries to the national rail network. Beard has long been involved in the business and operational side of railroading, spanning areas such as rail logistics, transload development and coordination between carriers. He has been involved in short-line operations modernization projects, such as alternative locomotive technologies and emissions reduction. Beard also serves as president of the California Short Line Railroad Association, representing short lines across California and participating in discussions related to regulation, infrastructure funding and industry coordination.

Mentorship Role: Under Beard's leadership at Sierra Northern, emerging professionals are given responsibility and exposure to complex challenges, and the railroad has pursued forward-thinking projects like zero-emission locomotive development. For younger professionals, this creates an environment in which they are not just maintaining legacy systems but also shaping the future of the industry. Beard models the importance of collaboration — with customers, regulators and communities — in his mentorship. Through his work with the California Short Line Railroad Association, Beard connects emerging professionals with the broader industry network, exposing them to policy discussions, regulatory challenges and collaborative problem solving. This access helps his mentees understand not just how a railroad runs, but how the entire industry functions.