Ben joined Advocates for the West in 2026, after serving since 2020 as Executive Director of Central Oregon LandWatch, an Advocates for the West partner organization. At LandWatch, Ben took over from a founding executive director, an attorney, and led strategic efforts to expand the organization’s reach and strengthen its impact to protect public lands and wildlife habitat, and to foster thriving, sustainable communities.
Throughout his career, Ben has demonstrated a deep commitment to conservation and community engagement, bringing experience that will help advance Advocates for the West’s mission in a rapidly changing landscape.
Ben also previously served as Program Director for the Oregon Natural Desert Association and has worked in outreach and campaign organizing roles for 1000 Friends of Oregon, the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, and the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center. Ben earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Colorado. He lives in Bend, Oregon.