In 2000, shortly after playing football and graduating from Weber State University with a degree in Criminal Justice, Ben was jumping from helicopters and wrestling elk for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Since that time Ben has worked as a Policy Analyst and Legislative Liaison for the Division of Wildlife where he worked with countless entities to develop and implement local, state and federal natural resource policies. Today, he oversees operations throughout northern Utah. On nights and weekends Ben is serving his second term on the Ogden City Council and is currently the Chair. Throughout Ben’s career, he has developed strategic partnerships with individuals, communities, local, state and federal governments and various NGO’s to protect and conserve wildlife species while balancing Utah’s socioeconomic interests.
Ben was instrumental in the inception and implementation of the Ogden River Restoration Project; a $6-million project in Ogden, Utah, that transformed a blighted and polluted river into a Blue Ribbon Fishery that paved the way for a surge in recreational use and community and economic development for Ogden City.
Ben earned his Master of Science degree from Utah State University, and is professionally trained and certified in Public Administration by the Utah Certified Public Managers Institute and in community and organizational leadership by the MAT and Conservation Leadership Program in Shepardstown, West Virginia.
Ben is heavily involved in his community, where he has served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Team for the GOAL Foundation, the Ogden School District’s Seeking Excellence in Education Committee, the Weber State University Wildcat Club Board of Directors, and has coached youth sports for years, just to name a few.
A native of Phoenix, Ariz., Ben and his wife Jaynee have two young daughters, Hazel (age 12) and Millie aka “Moose” (age 11).