Elizabeth Higgins-Beard

Elizabeth Higgins-Beard is a dynamic and relationship-driven nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience in leading global strategies that elevate brands and drive impact across the U.S., Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. With a deep commitment to youth advocacy and environmental access, as the CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA, Elizabeth successfully co-founded and led the U.S. arm of the world’s largest youth achievement award. Under her leadership, the program expanded to 35 locations across 27 states and garnered partnerships with national youth-serving agencies and corporate social responsibility programs.

Elizabeth’s expertise spans strategic planning, fundraising, diversity and inclusion, program evaluation, and governance. Her leadership has earned her recognition, including the Impact Award from the British American Business Council of Chicago. She has a long history of non-profit Board service, and her efforts in youth development have made a lasting impact in local and global communities.

She begins her elected term as Milton Township Supervisor in Illinois, May 2025. Her successful campaign marked the first time a woman, or a Democrat, have been elected to Milton Township’s leadership in its 175 years.

Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Master of Public Health and holds a BA from Drake University in Biology & Socio-Constructions of Health.