About

Ben Margolis is a senior economic, community, and strategic planning professional with over 25 years of experience in helping organizations increase their impact and address community needs. He is an expert in advocacy, community development, economic development, financial management, fundraising, government relations, nonprofit management, program design, project management, public policy research and development, public speaking, revitalization programs, small business development, strategic planning, and sustainability. Currently, Ben is an independent advisor at bmargolis14, where he provides strategic planning services to small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and municipal agencies. In the past, he has worked as the Executive Director of Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation, where he led a mission-driven organization working at the intersection of economic and workforce development to foster a productive, equitable working waterfront. He managed all operations, including a $1.5 million budget, a 14-member team, a 20-member board of directors, 15 programs, advocacy, fundraising, collaborations, and communications. Under his leadership, the business membership increased by over 33%, and he oversaw a public employment center that placed a record number of residents in quality jobs. He also launched new initiatives, including young adult training and worker-cooperative programs, to innovate the organization's approach to community development. Ben has also worked as the Principal Consultant and Founder of New Netherland Advisors, where he provided strategic planning and real estate advisory services to private, public, and nonprofit clients. His representative clients included the City of New York, XØ Projects/The Old American Can Factory, Gowanus Canal Conservancy, and The Netherlands Board of Government Advisors. Ben holds an MPA in Urban Policy from Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs and a BA in Sociology and Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He completed his high school education from Montclair High School. Ben is a research scientist with relevant experience of 20.95 years.