Brenda Mallory was confirmed as the 12th Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on April 14, 2021, becoming the first African American to hold the position. With a 40-year career in environmental law and policy, Mallory’s expertise spans both the private sector and over two decades in government, including significant roles at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CEQ. As CEQ Chair, she played a key role in shaping President Biden's environmental agenda, leading efforts such as the reinstatement of protections for the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts, the implementation of the America the Beautiful Initiative, and the development of the U.S.’s first Ocean Climate Action Plan. Mallory’s work emphasized the protection of biodiversity, ocean ecosystems, and sustainable practices, focusing on both regulatory action and community engagement. A native of Waterbury, Connecticut, Mallory’s passion for environmental equity is rooted in her commitment to ensuring that all communities benefit from healthier ecosystems. A graduate of Yale College and Columbia Law School, Ms. Mallory has three adult children and lives in Rockville, Maryland with her husband, Mark. The beach is among their favorite family pastimes.