Employee Benefit Funds Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Dedicated to serving union members, Employee Benefit Funds provides comprehensive health, pension, and legal services, enhancing the well-being and financial security of over 90,000 individuals and their families within 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
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Benjamin Farber
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - William Torres
  • 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 execution for the organization. Jacobson oversees the delivery of essential benefits, including health, pension, and legal services, to more than 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees in the New York City hotel industry. This leadership role involves ensuring the organization's financial health and its capacity to adapt to evolving member needs and industry standards. Jacobson's focus remains on strengthening the core offerings of health benefits, dental and eye care, pension plans, and legal assistance, while also championing new health and wellness resources like virtual visits and health assistance programs. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering strong relationships with industry stakeholders and ensuring the long-term sustainability and impact of Employee Benefit Funds. David Jacobson drives the organization's commitment to supporting the hotel industry workforce.

    John Heim - Chief Financial Officer

    John Heim, the Chief Financial Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the organization. Heim manages budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring the sound financial management of benefits for over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees in the New York City hotel industry. This includes overseeing the financial aspects of health benefits, pension plans, and legal services, as well as the allocation of resources for health and wellness programs. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in maintaining the solvency and operational efficiency of Employee Benefit Funds, ensuring funds are available for critical services like virtual visits and health assistance programs. Heim's responsibilities extend to risk management and compliance with financial regulations. John Heim's financial oversight is fundamental to the organization's ability to provide continuous support to its members.

    Robert Lafferty - Chief Operating Officer

    Robert Lafferty, the Chief Operating Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, oversees the day-to-day operational execution and service delivery for the organization. Lafferty manages the efficient administration of health, pension, and legal services, impacting over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees in the New York City hotel industry. This involves optimizing processes for health benefits, dental and eye care, pension plans, and legal services to ensure seamless member experiences. The Chief Operating Officer also directs the implementation and management of health and wellness resources, including virtual visits and health assistance programs. Lafferty's role is crucial in ensuring operational excellence and the effective deployment of resources to meet member needs. Robert Lafferty drives the operational strategies that support Employee Benefit Funds' mission of providing comprehensive support.
    Robert Lafferty

    Jonathan C Cerezo - Chief Information Officer

    Jonathan C Cerezo, the Chief Information Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, architects and manages the organization's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Cerezo is responsible for all aspects of information systems, ensuring the secure and efficient delivery of services to over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees. This includes overseeing the technology supporting health benefits, pension plans, and legal services, as well as the platforms for health and wellness resources. The Chief Information Officer drives innovation in IT, implementing solutions that enhance member access to virtual visits and health assistance programs. Cerezo's role is critical in maintaining data integrity and compliance with industry regulations, safeguarding sensitive member information. Jonathan C Cerezo ensures that technology empowers Employee Benefit Funds to meet its mission effectively and adapt to future digital demands.
    Jonathan C Cerezo

    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 organization's technology landscape and digital initiatives. Farber assists in the oversight of information systems that deliver critical benefits, including health, pension, and legal services, to over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees. This involves contributing to the strategy for technology supporting health benefits, dental and eye care, pension plans, and legal services, as well as the infrastructure for health and wellness resources. The Deputy Chief Information Officer plays a role in ensuring the reliability and security of platforms offering virtual visits and health assistance programs. Farber's collaboration is essential for maintaining robust IT operations and advancing technological capabilities. Benjamin Farber contributes to the technological backbone supporting Employee Benefit Funds' member services.

    William Torres - Chief Human Resources Officer

    William Torres, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, leads the strategic management of the organization's workforce and human capital. Torres oversees all aspects of HR, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits administration for the staff supporting over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees. This role is vital in ensuring that Employee Benefit Funds has a skilled and motivated team to deliver health, pension, and legal services effectively. The Chief Human Resources Officer develops and implements HR policies that foster a positive work environment and support the organization's mission. Torres also plays a part in managing the human resources aspects related to the delivery of health and wellness resources. William Torres ensures the internal strength of Employee Benefit Funds through expert human resource management.

    Lana Vardanian - Chief Medical Officer

    Lana Vardanian, the Chief Medical Officer at Employee Benefit Funds, provides clinical leadership and strategic direction for the health and wellness programs offered to members. Vardanian oversees the medical aspects of health benefits, ensuring high-quality care and access to services for over 90,000 union members, dependents, and retirees in the New York City hotel industry. This includes guiding the development and implementation of health benefits, dental and eye care, and health assistance programs. The Chief Medical Officer plays a critical role in evaluating and integrating new health initiatives, such as virtual visits, to enhance member well-being. Vardanian's expertise ensures that medical services align with the organization's commitment to supporting the health of the hotel industry workforce. Lana Vardanian's medical guidance is central to Employee Benefit Funds' health-focused mission.
    Lana Vardanian

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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 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, Deputy Chief Information Officer.