Employee Benefit Funds Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Employee Benefit Funds has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, information technology, finance, human resources, and medical oversight.

Driven by a commitment to comprehensive member support, Employee Benefit Funds delivers essential health, pension, and legal services to over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees within the New York City hotel industry, fostering well-being and financial security.

Leadership Roles at Employee Benefit Funds

  • Chief Executive Officer - David Jacobson
  • Chief Financial Officer - John Heim
  • Chief Operating Officer - Robert Lafferty
  • Chief Information Officer - Jonathan C Cerezo
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - William Torres
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Benjamin Farber
  • Chief Medical Officer - Lana Vardanian
  • David Jacobson - Chief Executive Officer

    David Jacobson, the Chief Executive Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, directs the overall strategic vision and operational framework for serving over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees in the New York City hotel industry. Jacobson's leadership ensures the seamless integration of health, pension, and legal services, aligning all functions with the organization's mission to provide robust benefits and resources. This executive guides the expansion of health and wellness programs, including virtual visits and health assistance, directly impacting member well-being and financial security. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses fostering strong relationships with industry stakeholders and union leadership, guaranteeing that Employee Benefit Funds remains a vital support system. Through strategic planning, Jacobson drives the organization's capacity to adapt to evolving member needs and industry standards, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of support for hotel industry professionals in New York City.

    John Heim - Chief Financial Officer

    John Heim, the Chief Financial Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, manages the fiscal health and financial planning for an organization serving over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees. Heim directs all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies for pension plans and health benefits. This executive ensures robust financial controls and compliance, safeguarding the assets dedicated to member support. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical part in evaluating the financial viability of new benefit programs and resource allocation for health and wellness initiatives. John Heim's financial acumen is essential for maintaining the long-term sustainability and operational capacity of Employee Benefit Funds, ensuring continued support for the New York City hotel industry.

    Robert Lafferty - Chief Operating Officer

    Robert Lafferty, the Chief Operating Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, executes the day-to-day operational strategies essential for delivering comprehensive benefits to over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees. Lafferty oversees the efficient management of health, pension, and legal service delivery, ensuring all programs function optimally to meet member requirements. This role involves optimizing internal processes for health benefits, dental and eye care, and pension plans, directly enhancing the member experience. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates closely with department heads to implement service improvements and resource allocation, guaranteeing the effective provision of virtual visits and health assistance programs. By focusing on operational excellence, Robert Lafferty ensures that Employee Benefit Funds consistently upholds its commitment to supporting the New York City hotel industry workforce through reliable and accessible benefit solutions.
    Robert Lafferty

    Jonathan C Cerezo - Chief Information Officer

    Jonathan C Cerezo, the Chief Information Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, architects the technological infrastructure supporting health, pension, and legal services for over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees. Cerezo directs the implementation and maintenance of secure, scalable IT systems that facilitate access to benefits, including virtual visits and health assistance programs. This executive ensures data integrity and system reliability, crucial for managing sensitive member information and operational efficiency. The Chief Information Officer drives innovation in digital platforms, enhancing member engagement and access to resources. Jonathan C Cerezo's strategic oversight of information technology is fundamental to Employee Benefit Funds' ability to deliver modern, efficient, and secure benefit solutions to the New York City hotel industry workforce.
    Jonathan C Cerezo

    William Torres - Chief Human Resources Officer

    William Torres, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, leads the strategic management of human capital to support the delivery of benefits to over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees. Torres oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives, ensuring the team possesses the expertise to manage health, pension, and legal services effectively. This executive develops policies and programs that foster a supportive work environment, crucial for retaining skilled professionals dedicated to member welfare. The Chief Human Resources Officer ensures alignment between HR strategies and the organization's mission, particularly in areas like health and wellness programs. William Torres's leadership in human resources is vital for the operational strength and service excellence of Employee Benefit Funds within the New York City hotel industry.

    Benjamin Farber - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Benjamin Farber, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, supports the Chief Information Officer in managing the technological infrastructure for over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees. Farber assists in the implementation and maintenance of IT systems that facilitate access to health, pension, and legal services, including virtual visits and health assistance programs. This role involves direct oversight of IT operations, ensuring system uptime and data security for critical member information. The Deputy Chief Information Officer contributes to strategic technology planning, focusing on enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of digital platforms. Benjamin Farber's collaboration with the CIO is key to Employee Benefit Funds' ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for superior service delivery to the New York City hotel industry.

    Lana Vardanian - Chief Medical Officer

    Lana Vardanian, the Chief Medical Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, provides clinical leadership and oversight for health-related benefits serving over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees. Vardanian guides the development and evaluation of health benefits, dental and eye care programs, and health assistance initiatives, ensuring they meet high standards of care and efficacy. This executive collaborates with healthcare providers and internal teams to optimize member health outcomes and wellness strategies, including the expansion of virtual visit capabilities. The Chief Medical Officer ensures that all medical aspects of the benefits offered align with current healthcare best practices and regulatory requirements. Lana Vardanian's medical expertise is fundamental to Employee Benefit Funds' mission of promoting the health and well-being of the New York City hotel industry workforce.
    Lana Vardanian

    Explore Leadership Teams in Insurance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Employee Benefit Funds Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Employee Benefit Funds?
    Employee Benefit Funds is led by David Jacobson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Heim (Chief Financial Officer) and Robert Lafferty (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Employee Benefit Funds’s executive team?
    The executive team of Employee Benefit Funds includes leaders such as David Jacobson (Chief Executive Officer), John Heim (Chief Financial Officer), Robert Lafferty (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Employee Benefit Funds have?
    Employee Benefit Funds has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Employee Benefit Funds’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Employee Benefit Funds includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.