Benj founded BEF INK in 2025 to provide executive leadership and project management services along with a creative public art and sculpture studio practice.  Ben was previously a partner at SOJ, a Pacific Northwest project management firm he joined after 7 years as the Executive Director of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA).  He managed day-to-day operations of the 9-acre Pike Place Market including building maintenance and preservation, commercial leasing, residential, farm and craft programs, marketing, and facilities and security. While at the Pike Place Market Ben led the $74 million Pike Place Market Front expansion from concept through to completion and completed the $68.6 million Levy Funded Major Renovation of the Market.

Benj has more than 23 years of experience with nonprofit and private business, education and the arts. He has extensive experience in public process, stakeholder engagement, and management of high-profile public venues.  Successfully executing hundreds of projects ranging from small renovations and tenant improvements to major public events and multi-year complex capital projects Benj has honed management and leadership skills that foster alignment across diverse work groups, public and private sectors and community members. Prior to the Pike Place Market, he served as Executive Director of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation for eight years providing day-to-day oversight of the Santa Monica Pier’s operations, capital projects, marketing, tenant selection, large complex events, maintenance, and diverse community. 

Benj has a BFA in Sculpture from the University of Washington and is currently based in Seattle.