John Beard, Jr. is the founder and CEO of the Port Arthur Community Action Network (PA-CAN), serving as an advocate focusing on environmental issues, social justice and community development in Port Arthur, Texas. Mr. Beard retired from ExxonMobil Corp. with over 38 years of service in the areas of petrochemical production, maintenance services and emergency management. Mr. Beard is a former City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem. During his twelve years on city council, he helped guide the city’s recovery from Hurricanes Rita, Ike, Gilbert, Humberto, and most recently Harvey and Imelda. He has spent the past 17 years as a liaison to the city and community, helping educate about flood risks and the causes of disparate impacts. Mr. Beard has presented evidence and root cause analysis of recent floods, focusing on the aspect of past flooding events, and their correlation to the drainage systems failures. Additionally, he has participated in discussions and forums with elected officials, FEMA and the Texas GLO on policy issues, programs to address flood prevention and recovery, which have been critical to his efforts regarding funding equity for vulnerable populations, economically disadvantaged and LMI persons. He is an active member of the Texas Water Development Board’s Regional Flood Planning Group for Region 5, a member of the board of directors of Big Thicket Association and chair of the City of Port Arthur’s Zoning Board of Adjustments.