Tracy Lavery Beard of Solvang has been elected treasurer of the National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW).

NACW represents state, county and local commissions for women and women-serving organizations. Beard has served on the NACW Board since 2015, previously as secretary.

“She brings extensive experience in advocacy, program development, and community engagement, supporting initiatives for women, children and veterans across Santa Barbara County,” NACW said.

Beard has developed educational and self-employment training programs, mentored local businesses, and earned the SBA/EDC award in 2020 for leading a top-performing office in the Los Angeles region, the commission said.

“For more than five decades, NACW has worked to strengthen and support its members in their efforts to empower women, promote equity, and expand opportunities in communities across the United States,” the group said.

The newly elected FY26 NACW executive leadership team also includes Kitti Asberry, president; Heather J. Heyer, vice president; and Shaitia Spruell, secretary.

Asberry is the executive director of the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women and a longtime advocate for women, minorities and children. She has led initiatives in public service, political activism, and community engagement, including founding Women Involved N Change (WINC) to empower women in civic participation.

Heyer is the director of the Office on the Economic Status of Women at the Minnesota Legislative Coordinating Commission. She brings experience in public administration and civic engagement. She served as management analyst for the city of Rochester, Minnesota; and as interim director of elections for Denver, Colorado.

Spruell is the executive director of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, where she leads statewide initiatives to advance equity and opportunity for women and girls. A proud Black and Puerto Rican woman, she has developed impactful programs such as the Commonwealth Heroines and the Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative, NACW said.

Established in 1975, NACW provides resources, advocacy, and a national network to advance opportunities and equity for all women.

The NACW’s mission is to sustain, strengthen and advocate for women’s commissions in their work to promote equality and justice for all women and girls, and ensure they are represented and empowered in their communities.