Staff: Chase Bearden

Deputy Executive Director

A fluffy, medium-sized golden retriever mix dog is overflowing the lap of a man in a push chair. Both are smiling.

As Deputy Executive Director, Chase is called on for research, policy analysis and recommendations to the Texas Legislature and state agencies on issues surrounding disabilities.

His service on advisory groups and boards includes appointments by the Executive Commissioner of the TX Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Medicaid Managed Care Advisory Council, Gov. Rick Perry to the Rehabilitation Council of Texas and the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners and was reappointed to Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) by Gov. Greg Abbott.

Chase is also currently serving as the Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Texas Patients First Foundation a non-profit coalition of business, patient, physician and advocacy groups working towards the expansion of the Texas Compassionate Use Program, granting medical cannabis access to Texans with serious or chronic medical conditions.

He has successfully advocated for positive change in government policy and practice in employment, transportation, voting, education, health care and architectural barriers to promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities in community life.

Chase has been honored with the Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute Luminary Award, the leading advocates award by Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy, and the Legislative award from the Texas Rehabilitation Association and the Texas Physical Therapy Association.

He has served as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer and worked for the St. David’s Medical Center running community programs focused on empowering youths and adults with disabilities through sports and recreation.

Right: Chase with Hank (still a puppy!).

Boards and committees on which Chase serves include:

Past service: