Skip Navigation Links

Letter from Dan Beard

Support. Essentially, that’s what our organization does, we support, in a myriad of different ways, Members of the House of Representatives, ensuring that computer systems work, paychecks get issued, furniture gets moved, meals are served.

But we are so much more than that.

I overheard someone recently describe working for the CAO as existing “behind the scenes.” This could not be further from the truth.

The people who make up this organization shine in the spotlight every single day. In the brief time I have been here, I am amazed at the “above-and-beyond” work ethic that seems to be our hallmark. CAO employees are not content with just going along to get along. They aren’t afraid to ask, “Could this be done better?” They don’t resist change, but rather time and time again welcome the challenge it often brings.

These are my kind of people.

Over the past several months we have shown, through the determination and work ethic of our staff, some of whom are featured in this report, that our organization is more dynamic than the word “administrative” implies. We are literally making history implementing the Green the Capitol Initiative, an effort which will show the entire nation that we are a workplace committed to making the planet a cleaner, better place to live.

And we are making the House a better place to work. We have improved leave benefits. We have studied ways to increase access to our top-notch day care center. Eldercare benefits are being introduced. The incredibly committed employees of Payroll and Benefits have accomplished improvements in efficiency and customer service delivery that are remarkable. Quite simply, it makes me proud.

Dan Beard and Grandaughter LilySpeaking of pride, I chose to include this candid shot of me and my granddaughter, Lily, not just because I am a proud grandpa, but because she is an emblematic testament of my commitment to creating a work-life balance for our employees. This is important to me, and it is critical in terms of making the House not only a place where people work, but a place where people want to work.

Lily is also, of course, a symbol of the future. Over the next 18 months, I will ask you all, in a variety of ways, to contribute to the Green the Capitol Initiative. Doing our part for the environment makes good business sense, sure, but it also ensures that our kids and grandkids inherit more than just a series of insurmountable environmental catastrophes.

Together we can do this. I invite you to the stage.

Daniel P. Beard
Chief Administrative Officer