About Us

Business Executives for National Security (BENS) is a nonpartisan nonprofit comprised of accomplished business and industry executives and entrepreneurs who apply their experience and best business practices to help address our Nation’s pressing national security challenges. Since 1982, BENS has been a trusted partner to senior national security leaders, offering expertise, best practices, and innovative solutions to address complex issues—all at no cost to the government.

In an era of unprecedented challenges spanning human capital, infrastructure, technology, and strategic execution, the national security community faces a landscape that demands more than just military and government action. Today's challenges require the innovation, resources, and agility of the private sector, working in close collaboration with government and civil society to create unified, effective responses. BENS serves as the vital bridge between these sectors, fostering a stronger exchange of ideas and practical solutions to ensure the Nation is fully prepared to meet today’s complex threats.

BENS provides senior military and government leaders with access to an independent, knowledgeable body of practitioners who bring invaluable insight and perspective to national security decision-making. By leveraging the expertise of its members, BENS educates, elevates, and enriches the national security dialogue, enabling public and private sector leaders to collaborate effectively in safeguarding America’s future.

Our Mission

Apply industry experience and best business practices to help address our Nation’s pressing national security challenges.

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A Trusted and Neutral Partner and Convener

focused solely on strengthening U.S. security and the national security enterprise

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Member Driven and Financed

where members participate in their individual capacity and government funding is not accepted

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Fiercely Nonpartisan

avoiding partisan debate that takes positions on the size of the Nation’s security budget or specific weapons systems or strategies

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Actionable Solutions

that utilize best practices from the private sector to assist with solving business challenges in the national security enterprise

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Bound to Strict Ethics

that prohibit members and staff from lobbying or engaging in business development activities

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Committed to Continuous Improvement

valuing government partners and member feedback to produce ever more effective outcomes

Our History

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Founded in 1982 by business executive Stanley A. Weiss, nonpartisan, and nonprofit Business Executives for National Security (BENS) applies best business practices to develop, for government officials, solutions to our nation’s most challenging problems in national security, particularly in defense and homeland security.

For over 40 years, BENS has served as the primary channel through which senior American business leaders contribute special experience and talent to help build a more secure nation. With regional offices across the country and from our headquarters in Washington, DC, our membership has earned the trust and respect of leaders in government

Our Founder

Stanley A. Weiss 1926–2021

Stanley A. Weiss was the Founding Chairman of Business Executives for National Security and former Executive and Chairman of the mining, refractories, chemicals and mineral processing company, American Premier, Inc.

After 25 years in business, he craved greater purpose, to give back to the country he loved. He became a scholar at Harvard studying the geostrategic challenges of nuclear weapons and mutually assured destruction. Soon after, he realized the purpose that would consume the next 25 years of his life and founded BENS in 1982.

Stanley Weiss