As the Chief Operating Officer since 2023, Ben leads teams dedicated to advancing NWF’s strategic plan and amplifying the Federation’s impact through a reimagined operations model. In his role, he works to ensure adequate, organization-wide support for mission delivery that prioritizes collaboration, efficiency, and effectiveness in a constantly-evolving stakeholder engagement landscape. He also oversees key core mission support areas, such as legal, people, equity and justice, governance, affiliate relations, communications, operations and technology, and program operations, while ensuring NWF has the infrastructure, operational strategy, and systems necessary to support the Federation and aims of its mission and strategic plan.
As a trusted advisor to the President and CEO and member of several leadership teams, he provides the critical information needed for the Federation to operate at its best while also fostering an inclusive atmosphere and a sense of belonging throughout the Federation. He is a fervent believer in the unique strength of the Federation’s affiliate network and the power of the One Federation model.
Beyond his operational focus, Ben also serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors and leads a close-knit and high-performing team that directly supports the Board. He previously served as General Counsel at NWF for nearly a decade, having joined the Federation in 2013.
He grew up in rural Gowanda, New York, and enjoys returning to his hometown to explore the natural beauty of Zoar Valley. Kota holds a B.S. in biology from St. Bonaventure University and a J.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.
