Binta Beard

Binta Beard is a distinguished policy and philanthropy leader with extensive experience in advancing health equity and community well-being through strategic policy and philanthropic engagement. She serves as both the Head of US Social Impact and President of the Novartis US Foundation, where she leads initiatives to drive social impact and leverage change for community health and equity.

Before joining Novartis in March 2024, Beard was the Head of Global Philanthropy at AbbVie where she oversaw the AbbVie Foundation's philanthropic strategies, ensuring the effective execution and management of corporate efforts to maximize community impact. She led a dedicated team, managed program outcomes, and maintained efficient operations and budget accountability, significantly contributing to the well-being of communities worldwide.

Prior to that, Beard honed her expertise in policy strategy during her tenure as Director of Federal Government Affairs at AbbVie. In this role, she crafted and executed policy strategies that advanced AbbVie's priorities through targeted engagement with policymakers and stakeholders. She represented AbbVie among trade associations, built coalitions, and managed multiple consultants, demonstrating her adeptness at navigating complex political landscapes.

Earlier in her career, Binta held significant roles such as Managing Partner at Equinox Strategies, Principal at Podesta Group, and Senior Health Policy Advisor at the United States Senate. Additionally, she served as a Health Legislative Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives as an AAAS Fellow.

Beard's career is marked by her commitment to leveraging policy and philanthropy to create lasting, positive changes in health equity and community well-being. Her leadership and strategic vision continue to inspire and drive impactful initiatives in the healthcare and philanthropic sectors.