Peter Beard

Peter Beard

Executive Director  

Peter Beard leads the largest foundation in the country devoted to increasing the supply of homes for those who need them the most. Working with a nationwide network of partners, the Fannie Mae Foundation focuses on increasing the supply of homes for those who need homes the most and making the dream of homeownership a reality for millions of American families.

Peter previously served as senior vice president of Communications, Strategy, and Information at the Foundation, where he directed the key strategic initiatives that provide the most comprehensive knowledge and information to the field through the new technology tools of KnowledgePlex® and DataPlace^TM. He also provided leadership in positioning the Foundation as a trusted source of knowledge and information as well as executive leadership and oversight of the following departments at the Foundation: Events and Scheduling; Knowledge Management and Interactive Applications; Public Affairs; Publishing; and Strategic Planning and Management. Since 1994, he has served in various capacities at the Foundation, including developing the Foundation's policy and consulting functions and directing the Foundation's national grantmaking program, its regional offices, and its strategies for homeowner education and counseling.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Peter served as the general counsel to Habitat for Humanity International in Americus, Ga., from 1988 to 1993. He also practiced law in Baltimore, Md., and worked for the Committee on the Budget at the U.S. Senate. He currently serves on various boards of directors, including vice chair of the Rural Development and Finance Corporation (San Antonio, Texas), Paula Financial (Pasadena, Calif.), and Artspace Projects (Minneapolis, Minn.). Peter received his A.B. in economics from Davidson College and his J.D. from Syracuse University.