National Benefit Fund Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

National Benefit Fund has 7 executives leading key functions including operations, technology, finance, and medical services.

Driven by a commitment to comprehensive member support, National Benefit Fund provides a robust suite of benefits, including health coverage, pensions, and training, to healthcare industry workers, enhancing their quality of life and financial security.

Leadership Roles at National Benefit Fund

  • Chief Financial Officer - Mercedes Mambru
  • Chief Operating Officer - Bonnie Mallonga
  • President, The Benefit Fund Staff Association - Darlene Coor
  • Chief Technology Officer - Dave Tonkonow
  • Chief of Staff - Chris Burford
  • Chief Information Officer - Charles Ottomanelli
  • Deputy Chief Medical Officer, 1199seiu Benefit Funds - Lela Mayers
  • Mercedes Mambru - Chief Financial Officer

    Mercedes Mambru, the Chief Financial Officer at National Benefit Fund, directs the financial strategy and fiscal operations essential for sustaining comprehensive benefits for 400,000 healthcare industry workers. Mambru manages all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and investment, ensuring the long-term solvency and stability of the Benefit and Pension, Training and Employment, and Child Care Funds. This leadership role involves optimizing financial performance, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is critical in maintaining the low-cost structure of benefits for 1199SEIU members. Mercedes Mambru's strategic financial stewardship ensures that the Funds can continue to provide robust health benefits, defined pensions, and vital training and child care support, reinforcing the organization's commitment to member welfare across its extensive operational footprint.
    Mercedes Mambru

    Bonnie Mallonga - Chief Operating Officer

    Bonnie Mallonga, the Chief Operating Officer at National Benefit Fund, directs the operational framework supporting 400,000 healthcare industry workers and their families. Overseeing the day-to-day execution of benefit delivery, Mallonga ensures the seamless integration of health, pension, training, and child care services across the 1199SEIU Funds. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes to enhance member access and satisfaction, directly impacting the efficiency of the Benefit and Pension, Training and Employment, and Child Care Funds. Bonnie Mallonga's strategic oversight guarantees that operational strategies align with the Funds' mission of providing comprehensive, low-cost benefits. The Chief Operating Officer's focus remains on scalable operational models that support the organization's growth and service expansion throughout New York and surrounding regions, reinforcing the Funds' position as a leading provider of labor-management benefits.

    Darlene Coor - President, The Benefit Fund Staff Association

    Darlene Coor, the President, The Benefit Fund Staff Association at National Benefit Fund, leads the staff association in advocating for and supporting the operational teams that deliver benefits to 400,000 healthcare industry workers. Coor focuses on enhancing the working environment and professional development opportunities for staff members across the 1199SEIU Funds. This leadership position involves fostering strong relationships between staff and management, ensuring effective communication, and promoting initiatives that improve service delivery for health, pension, and training benefits. The President's role is vital in maintaining the high standards of service expected by members. Darlene Coor's dedication to staff welfare directly contributes to the sustained operational excellence required to manage the complex benefit structures provided by the Funds.

    Dave Tonkonow - Chief Technology Officer

    Dave Tonkonow, the Chief Technology Officer at National Benefit Fund, architects the technological infrastructure that underpins the delivery of comprehensive benefits to 400,000 healthcare workers. Tonkonow drives innovation in IT systems, ensuring the security, reliability, and scalability of platforms managing health, pension, and training services. This involves evaluating and implementing cutting-edge solutions to enhance member experience and operational efficiency across the 1199SEIU Funds. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities extend to data management and cybersecurity, safeguarding sensitive member information. Dave Tonkonow's strategic vision for technology directly supports the Funds' mission by enabling advanced digital access to benefits and streamlining administrative functions. This leadership ensures the organization remains at the forefront of technological adoption within the benefits administration sector, particularly across the extensive network of healthcare providers served.

    Chris Burford - Chief of Staff

    Chris Burford, the Chief of Staff at National Benefit Fund, provides strategic support and operational coordination across the 1199SEIU Funds' leadership team. Burford facilitates the execution of key initiatives, ensuring alignment between departmental objectives and the overarching mission of serving 400,000 healthcare industry workers. This role involves managing critical projects, optimizing internal communications, and enhancing the effectiveness of executive decision-making processes. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include streamlining operations and fostering collaboration among the Benefit and Pension, Training and Employment, and Child Care Funds. Chris Burford's influence extends to driving strategic planning efforts and ensuring that the organization's resources are effectively deployed to maximize member benefit delivery and satisfaction throughout the New York metropolitan area and beyond.

    Charles Ottomanelli - Chief Information Officer

    Charles Ottomanelli, the Chief Information Officer at National Benefit Fund, oversees the strategic direction and management of the organization's information systems, crucial for supporting 400,000 healthcare industry workers. Ottomanelli leads the development and implementation of IT strategies that enhance the delivery of health, pension, and training benefits across the 1199SEIU Funds. This involves ensuring robust data governance, system integration, and the adoption of technologies that improve operational efficiency and member engagement. The Chief Information Officer's purview includes safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Charles Ottomanelli's leadership ensures that the information technology infrastructure effectively supports the Funds' commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible benefits, driving innovation in how services are managed and accessed by members throughout the healthcare sector.

    Lela Mayers - Deputy Chief Medical Officer, 1199seiu Benefit Funds

    Lela Mayers, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, 1199seiu Benefit Funds at National Benefit Fund, provides critical medical oversight and strategic guidance for the health benefit programs serving 400,000 healthcare industry workers. Mayers collaborates with leadership to ensure the quality, accessibility, and appropriateness of healthcare services provided through the 1199SEIU Funds. This role involves evaluating healthcare trends, managing provider networks, and optimizing health outcomes for members. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities are integral to the effective administration of health benefits, ensuring that members receive comprehensive care. Lela Mayers' medical expertise directly supports the Funds' mission by enhancing the value and impact of the health benefits offered, contributing to the overall well-being of the membership across the New York region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding National Benefit Fund Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads National Benefit Fund?
    National Benefit Fund is led by Mercedes Mambru (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Bonnie Mallonga (Chief Operating Officer) and Darlene Coor (President, The Benefit Fund Staff Association).
    Who is part of National Benefit Fund’s executive team?
    The executive team of National Benefit Fund includes leaders such as Mercedes Mambru (Chief Financial Officer), Bonnie Mallonga (Chief Operating Officer), Darlene Coor (President, The Benefit Fund Staff Association) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National Benefit Fund have?
    National Benefit Fund has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in National Benefit Fund’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of National Benefit Fund includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, The Benefit Fund Staff Association, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff.