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.
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
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.

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.
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.

Explore Leadership Teams in Insurance
American Family Insurance provides personal and business insurance products that help customers protect homes, vehicles, businesses, and lives. The company offers coverage, claims support, digital account tools, and agent based guidance across a broad range of insurance needs.
Company Leadership TY

TS
RS
The Baldwin Group, a leading independent insurance brokerage and advisory firm in the United States. It provides business and personal insurance, risk management, employee benefits, wealth management, and tailored coverage solutions through a nationwide platform serving millions of clients.
Company Leadership

BH
John Hancock, founded in 1862, is one of the largest life insurance companies in the United States. The company offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, retirement planning solutions, and wealth management services. As a significant player in the investment and finance industry, John Hancock provides financial advice and insurance solutions to millions of Americans. The company operates internationally with presence across North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Oceania. John Hancock maintains a strong digital presence through its website and mobile applications, serving both individual consumers and businesses with tailored financial solutions designed to help meet long-term financial goals and provide financial security.
Company Leadership

RW
PassportCard is an international insurance and insuretech company that provides innovative travel insurance and global health insurance solutions, enabling members to access healthcare services worldwide without traditional claims processes. Its core offering uses a real-time, prepaid card system that allows policyholders to pay medical providers directly at the point of care, streamlining access to treatment without upfront out-of-pocket costs or paperwork. The company operates across many countries and serves both individual and corporate clients. It is part of the broader DavidShield – PassportCard Group, known for combining insurance expertise with technology-driven service delivery.
Company Leadership EK

IA