Ben serves as Principal and Chief Strategy Officer at Burness. He joined the company in 1999 after working on Capitol Hill and serving in a policy role for a DC law firm. He directs a number of major projects and advises clients across a range of health and health policy issues, from spreading new models of knowledge-sharing in medical education to looking beyond U.S. borders for ideas to improve health and wellbeing. He previously led the company’s work in the policy space, developing and implementing strategies to advance clients’ ideas in the policy world. His work continues to involve engaging with government, media, philanthropy, and interest groups. 

In his role as chief strategy officer, Ben provides guidance on strategic initiatives across the company, serves as a liaison to key partners, and directs Burness’ internal learning efforts. 

Prior to joining Burness, Ben spent two years with the Washington, D.C. firm of Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds and served as an aide to U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. 

A northern California native and father of two daughters, Benis a lifelong San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan and a more recent rock climbing enthusiast. His self-professed claim to fame is that he spent part of his childhood living in a yurt.