Ben Esner, Senior Vice President for Programs, sets the programmatic direction and strategies for the Brooklyn Community Foundation. Ben was formerly the Deputy Director of Independence Community Foundation, where he was responsible for program portfolios in workforce development and early childhood education as well as the Foundation's financial administration and technology development. He currently serves on several nonprofit Boards of Directors focused on education and community development. A lifelong Brooklynite and graduate of the University of Michigan, Ben and his wife, Janine, are raising their two daughters in Brooklyn.