[post_thumbnail size="550"]
In late July, Bill Twist, CEO of The Pachamama Alliance announced the appointment of former board member Ben Schick as Director of Programs, a new position for the organization.
Ben will oversee the Education and Communications teams as we move into a crucial phase of growth for the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium and our other workshops.
“I joined The Pachamama Alliance because I believe in the mission and deeply respect the social justice and environmental work the organization does in Ecuador.
“My role is to lead the development and deployment of an engagement platform and Pacha Communities across the US, as well as the next evolution of the education programs.”
Leading Organizations to Fulfill Their Visions
For over 25 years, Ben has developed his expertise in three areas: media, organizational development, and advocacy for organizations working in the public interest.
When it comes to leading organizations to fulfill their visions, Ben's particular strength lies in his ability to forge partnerships and build effective teams, develop compelling narratives and brand values, and creatively access modern media technologies.
Ben’s media management experience includes nine years as CEO of MediaOne Services, the largest independent broadcast and video production hub in Northern California serving brands such as NBC, Google, Climate Alliance, San Francisco Giants, ESPN, and Slow Money.
Work with Challenge Day
In 2000, Ben temporarily set aside his work in media to become executive director of Challenge Day, a critically acclaimed youth violence prevention program for middle schools and high schools.
During his tenure, the organization went from being a local Northern California company serving 15,000 young people a year to now serving over 100,000 participants in 26 states.
Challenge Day is today one of the most respected and successful educational initiatives in the nation. It went on to be showcased on the Oprah Winfrey Show and then became the centerpiece for MTV’s “If You Really Knew Me.”
Other Media and Advocacy Projects
Ben has led or participated in a number of groundbreaking projects involving media and advocacy including:
- worldwide remote production of Al Gore’s climate webcast “24 Hours of Reality”
- the launch of George Soros’s Institute for New Economic Thinking
- a documentary film for the first State of the World Forum
- GE’s Ecomagination Annual Awards and Innovation Conference
His strong passion for organizations working in the public interest has led him to take on roles such as strategic adviser for the Women’s Earth Alliance and his new position with The Pachamama Alliance.
The Newest Member of the Pachamama Family
Outside of work, Ben is a bike rider, movie watcher, house putterer, Waldorf dad, and a huge fan of the folk-rock band MacClain & Cole. He lives in Oakland, California with his wife, Amy, and their robust son, Sam.
Please join us in welcoming Ben to The Pachamama Alliance family!
