Laura Daniel-Davis will assume the role of Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, as announced by the department itself. She will take over from outgoing Deputy Tommy Beaudreau as of Oct. 31.
In a Department of the Interior news release, Laura Daniel-Davis voiced her honor and commitment to serve as Acting Deputy Secretary, stating, “The work of the Department of the Interior touches all Americans, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Acting Deputy Secretary. We will continue to work in partnership with states, Tribes, industry, non-profit organizations and academia to ensure that the best available science guides our decision-making as we deliver on our promises to the American people."
Secretary Deb Haaland commended Daniel-Davis's elevation to the number two position at the Department of Interior saying, "There are few people who have been by my side more over the past two and a half years than Laura, and I am so grateful that she has agreed to step into this role as we work together to implement President Biden’s ambitious and historic agenda. Laura has a depth of experience that will be invaluable in our work to build a clean energy future, honor our commitments to Indigenous communities, and leave our air, water and public lands better for future generations.”
Former Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau disclosed his departure from DOI after nearly two years in his position and nearly a decade with DOI according to an Oct. 4 press release from DOI. Beaudreau expressed gratitude for his time spent serving under Secretary Haaland in President Biden's administration stating: “I love the Interior Department, and it has been the greatest honor and responsibility of my career... I will always cherish opportunities I’ve had working with diverse communities across United States."
Daniel-Davis recently held position as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Mineral Management at DOI for about three years according to her LinkedIn profile. Previously she worked at National Wildlife Federation as Vice President for Conservation and Chief of Policy and Advocacy, lasting three years.
Politico reports that Beaudreau departed from DOI to take up a position as a partner at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr law firm in Washington. He will co-chair the firm’s energy, environment, and natural resources practice.
