Ben began his educational career as a special education teacher in his hometown of Beaverton, MI prior to moving to Gaylord, MI where he continued teaching at Gaylord High School. After eight years in the classroom, he pursued an administrative position and began employment as a supervisor of special education at the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District. Five years later, he took on the role of Director of Special Education at Char-Em ISD and worked in that capacity for six years. He is currently employed as the Associate Executive Director of Training and Development with the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE). 

Organizationally, Ben has been a member of the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children's board of directors, including serving in the presidential line of the executive committee. Prior to taking a staff role with MAASE, he served multiple terms on the board of directors and took on a variety of leadership roles with communities of practice and other projects.

Personally, Ben enjoys spending time with his family and friends in northern Michigan. His three daughters are actively engaged in multiple sports and activities, and enjoy boating, skiing, and the multitude of outdoor activities Michigan has to offer.