Employee Benefit Funds Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Employee Benefit Funds has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, finance, human resources, and deputy information technology.

Driven by a commitment to union members, Employee Benefit Funds provides comprehensive health, pension, and legal services, enhancing the well-being and financial security of over 90,000 individuals in the New York City hotel industry.

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
  • David Jacobson - Chief Executive Officer

    David Jacobson, the Chief Executive Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, directs the overarching strategy and vision for serving over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees in the New York City hotel industry. Jacobson's leadership ensures the organization effectively delivers essential health benefits, comprehensive pension plans, and vital legal services. Overseeing the integration of health and wellness resources, including virtual visits and health assistance programs, Jacobson drives initiatives that directly support the well-being of hotel industry employees and retirees. This executive role involves aligning all departmental functions to meet the specific needs of the intended client base, focusing on sustained operational excellence and member satisfaction. Jacobson's strategic direction solidifies Employee Benefit Funds' position as a critical support system for its constituents.

    John Heim - Chief Financial Officer

    John Heim, the Chief Financial Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management for an organization serving over 90,000 union members in the New York City hotel industry. Heim oversees budgeting, financial planning, and reporting for all benefit programs, including health, pension, and legal services. This critical role ensures the financial stability and sustainability of the funds supporting hotel industry employees and retirees. Heim's responsibilities extend to managing investments and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital in maintaining the integrity of the organization's financial operations and supporting the delivery of essential health and wellness resources.

    Robert Lafferty - Chief Operating Officer

    Robert Lafferty, the Chief Operating Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, manages the day-to-day operational execution of services for over 90,000 union members in the New York City hotel industry. Lafferty directs the efficient delivery of health benefits, dental and eye care, pension plans, and legal services, ensuring seamless member experiences. This executive role involves optimizing internal processes and resource allocation to support the organization's mission of providing comprehensive support. Lafferty oversees the implementation of health and wellness programs, including virtual visits and health assistance, ensuring their effective deployment. The Chief Operating Officer's focus remains on operational excellence, driving efficiency across all service delivery channels for hotel industry employees and retirees.
    Robert Lafferty

    Jonathan C Cerezo - Chief Information Officer

    Jonathan C Cerezo, the Chief Information Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, architects and executes the technology strategy essential for managing benefits for over 90,000 union members in the New York City hotel industry. Cerezo oversees the digital infrastructure supporting health benefits, pension plans, and legal services, ensuring secure and efficient data management. This leadership position involves driving innovation in technology solutions that enhance member access to resources like virtual visits and health assistance programs. Cerezo's responsibilities include safeguarding sensitive member information and optimizing IT operations to support the organization's mission. The Chief Information Officer ensures technological advancements align with the evolving needs of hotel industry employees and retirees, maintaining robust systems for all benefit provisions.
    Jonathan C Cerezo

    William Torres - Chief Human Resources Officer

    William Torres, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, leads the human capital strategy to support the organization's mission for over 90,000 union members in the New York City hotel industry. Torres oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce dedicated to member services. This executive position is crucial for managing the personnel involved in delivering health benefits, pension plans, and legal services. Torres's focus includes fostering an environment that supports the well-being of both employees and the members they serve. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a key part in aligning HR initiatives with the organization's goals of providing comprehensive support to hotel industry employees and retirees.

    Benjamin Farber - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Benjamin Farber, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, supports the Chief Information Officer in managing technology operations for over 90,000 union members in the New York City hotel industry. Farber assists in the implementation and maintenance of IT systems that facilitate health benefits, pension plans, and legal services. This role involves contributing to the enhancement of digital resources, including virtual visits and health assistance programs, to improve member access and engagement. Farber's responsibilities include supporting cybersecurity measures and ensuring the reliability of the technological infrastructure. The Deputy Chief Information Officer works to uphold the efficiency and security of all IT functions critical to serving hotel industry employees and retirees.

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    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 6 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.