Board of Directors

Ben Beakes

Ben Beakes serves as the executive director of the West Virginia Independent Colleges & Universities and is also the founder and managing member of 3PS – a government affairs and public relations firm.

 

A 2002 political science graduate from the University of Charleston, Beakes began his career as the political director of the West Virginia Republican Party.  In 2005, he served as the chief of staff to West Virginia Secretary of State Betty Ireland.  After a short stint in the private sector, Beakes was appointed state director of the McCain 2008 presidential campaign in West Virginia. Politics wasn’t his only passion, though. 

 

In 2009, Beakes had the privilege of serving his alma mater as its vice president for university development – a position he held for five years.  In 2014, Beakes entered the coal industry as the director for government and external affairs for Alpha Natural Resources. Beakes was named "40 under 40" by the West Virginia State Journal and has served as the president of the Rotary Club of Charleston, where he oversaw the club’s Centennial Year. 

 

Beakes resides in Charleston, West Virginia, with his wife and two children.