Balance Autism
Rebecca Beard has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries. Rebecca currently holds the position of Vice President Human Resources at Balance Autism starting in September 2022. Prior to that, they worked at EquiTrust Life Insurance Company as a Contract Talent Acquisition Specialist from April to July 2022.
From 2019 to 2021, Rebecca served as the Director of Human Resources at Balance Autism. Before that, they worked at EMC Insurance Companies for several years. During their time there, they served as a Talent Acquisition Supervisor from December 2016 to September 2018. In this role, they led the corporate recruiting team and expanded the company's social media recruiting and community outreach efforts. Prior to that, they worked as a Senior Employment Specialist from April to December 2016, where they recruited for professional positions and developed recruiting strategies.
Rebecca also has experience as a Human Resources Manager at The Integer Group from October 2013 to April 2016. In this role, they managed all aspects of the HR functions and partnered with executive and leadership teams to understand talent management and employee relations needs.
Before that, they worked at The Weitz Company as an HR Generalist from February to October 2013, where they managed HR functions across multiple locations and developed new recruitment and hiring strategies. Prior to that, they worked as an HR Generalist at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino from November 2007 to February 2013. In this role, they were responsible for recruitment, orientation, and training initiatives.
Overall, Rebecca has a strong background in human resources with experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR management.
Rebecca Beard holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Sociology from Henderson State University. Rebecca has also obtained certification as a SHRM-CP from SHRM in January 2015 and as a PHR in January 2011.
Balance Autism
In 1991, a group of parents and professionals in Iowa came together to create new living and working opportunities for adults with autism. They researched other programs around the country and talked with experts in the field of autism. From these efforts Balance Autism took root. When founded as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 1994 it was named The Homestead because its earliest program focused on a working farm where adults with autism could live and work, raising fruits and vegetables. Since that beginning 25 years ago, Balance Autism has evolved. Our capabilities have broadened. Our staff has increased. We now serve persons of all ages. As the field of autism research has evolved, we’ve brought its most effective solutions to the persons and families we serve. Today, Balance Autism offers services to more than 300 children and 150 adults annually; employs 400 highly trained and devoted staff members and has an operating budget of $21 million. And yet, as much as we’ve grown, our mission has remained rooted in our core value: to provide balance in the lives of those with autism. If you are interested in learning more about our services, if you are interested in joining our team and helping children and adults with autism learn and grow, check out www.BalanceAutism.org.