Permitting Council Leadership

The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) Leadership Team brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to providing efficient, predictable, and transparent permitting processes for infrastructure projects. Meet the individuals driving our mission forward and learn about their roles, backgrounds, and strategic vision for supporting the future of infrastructure in America.

Eric Beightel - Executive Director

Eric Beightel is the Executive Director of the Permitting Council, where he oversees nearly $100 billion in infrastructure projects, coordinating federal reviews and permits to support the administration’s goal of advancing critical infrastructure development.

Manisha Patel - Deputy Executive Director

Manisha Patel is the Deputy Executive Director of the Permitting Council, bringing over 25 years of expertise in environmental law, policy, and process to deliver major infrastructure projects on time and within budget in both public and private sectors.

Rebecca Higgins - Chief of Staff

Rebecca Higgins is the Permitting Council’s Chief of Staff, where she leverages her expertise in transportation and infrastructure policy to help manage the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Monica Sanchez - Director of Public Engagement

Monica Sanchez is the Director of Public Engagement at the Permitting Council, where she leads stakeholder engagement and communications efforts to enhance collaboration and understanding across government agencies, industry sectors, and the public.

PoQueen Rivera - Director of Tribal Affairs

PoQueen Rivera is the Director of Tribal Affairs at the Permitting Council, where she leads efforts to strengthen Tribal engagement in infrastructure projects and spearheaded the Council’s financial assistance program for Tribes.

Alexis Segal - Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs

Alexis K. Segal is the Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Permitting Council, where she builds and maintains key relationships with Congress, state and local governments, and industry partners, leveraging over a decade of congressional and federal experience.

Jennifer Mallard - Director of Infrastructure Portfolio/Project Management

Jennifer Mallard is the Director of Infrastructure Project Management at the Permitting Council, managing the FAST-41 timetables for sponsor collaboration and policy development.

Adriel Pond - Director of Operations

Adriel Pond is the Director of Operations for the Permitting Council, where she oversees daily operations and ensures the necessary resources and controls are in place to support the execution of the FAST-41 mission.

Angela Colamaria - Director of Permitting Planning and Policy

Angela Colamaria is the Director of Permitting Planning and Policy at the Permitting Council, where she leads efforts to enable the agency to serve as a center for permitting excellence and advances programs to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of permitting reviews and authorizations.