Frances Beinecke is the president of the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Under her leadership, the organization has launched a new strategic campaign that sharply focuses NRDC's efforts on curbing global warming, moving America beyond oil, reviving the world's oceans, saving endangered wild places, stemming the tide of toxic chemicals and accelerating the greening of China.

Ms. Beinecke has worked with NRDC for more than 30 years. Prior to becoming the president in 2006, she served as the organization's executive director for eight years, presiding over a rapid expansion of staff, membership and organizational capabilities. She also worked as a member of NRDC's water and coastal program, fighting to protect marine ecosystems from offshore oil and gas development and advocating for sound coastal land use.

Ms. Beinecke received a bachelor's degree from Yale University and a master's degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. She now co-chairs the Leadership Council of the Yale School of Forestry, is a member of the Yale School of Management's Advisory Board and a former member of the Yale Corporation.

Ms. Beinecke has received the Rachel Carson Award from the National Audubon Society, the Distinguished Alumni Award from Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, the Annual Conservation Award from the Adirondack Council, and the Robert Marshall Award from the Wilderness Society.

For more information:

• Q&A in Newsweek Magazine
• Fortune Magazine in a 5 in power positions sidebar
• Video: Fortune's Women in Business conference
• Frances's Switchboard Blog - offering regular updates on her thoughts
• Oral TestimonyHearing On America's Climate Security Act, October 24, 2007
• Testimony Before The Subcommittee on Public and Consumer Solutions to Global Warming and Wildlife Protection Committee on Environment and Public Works United States Senate Hearing On America's Climate Security Act, October 24, 2007
• "Opposing view: A dangerous, costly path" USA Today editorial, May 16, 2007
• "In Hot Water: Global Warming Will Have Dire Effects in New York -- Unless We Act," New York Daily News editorial, June 1, 2006