Like a lot of Yellowknifers, Ben has chosen Yellowknife as his home. Originally from St. Catharines, Ontario, Ben has an Undergraduate Degree in Political Science from Brock University (2008) and a Masters of Public Policy from Simon Fraser University (2011).
Ben first moved to Yellowknife in June 2011 and held public sector roles in policy development and governance. From 2017 to 2020 Ben lived in Dublin, Ireland with his wife as she returned to University. During this time Ben worked as an advocate and lobbyist, advocating for improved access to adult education and lifelong learning in Ireland and across the European Union.
In 2020 Ben and his wife chose to return home to Yellowknife. In 2022 Ben ran for Council with the goal of giving back to the community that has given him so much. In May 2025, Ben was appointed by his colleagues to complete the term of Mayor upon the election of former Mayor Rebecca Alty to the Canadian House of Commons.