Business Executives for National Security
Business Executives for National Security (BENS) is an American nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. Founded in 1982 by mining executive Stanley A. Weiss, BENS provides a channel through which senior American business leaders volunteer their experience and expertise to help national security agencies become more efficient and effective.[1] BENS has 7 regional offices across the country with headquarters based in Washington, D.C.
BENS’ early work focused extensively on initiatives aimed at U.S.-Soviet threat reduction and on inefficiencies within the support functions of the Department of Defense, e.g., the maintenance and construction of military housing. They were also active during BRAC rounds, championing the process and helping develop transition plans for locations affected by base closure.[2] Over the last decade, they have widened their focus, taking on issues such as cybersecurity and domestic counterterrorism. They have also broadened their government partnerships to include the Departments of State, Treasury, and Homeland Security; the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; and the unified combatant commands. All work by BENS members is provided pro bono.
The organization's current president and CEO is retired Air Force General Norton A. Schwartz, the 19th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, and their current chairman is Bruce Mosler, Chairman of Global Brokerage at Cushman & Wakefield. Prominent members include Jeff Bezos, David Koch, and Frances Townsend.