Andrew Benson

Andrew Benson currently serves as Vice President of KnowledgeWorks Ohio. This statewide, public policy research organization focuses on connecting the dots between great innovations and those in the community who can make change.
Benson’s role offers him the opportunity to provide guidance and leadership on school funding, high schools, workforce development, community engagement and other education issues across the State. He led the Ohio Smart Schools initiative that helped the state save hundreds of millions of dollars in education spending by promoting efficient practices.
Most recently, Benson served as Policy Director for KnowledgeWorks Foundation and led efforts to increase learning opportunities in the State.
A decade ago, he was founding president of the New Ohio Institute, a statewide public policy think tank that conducted in-depth studies on education,  and statewide polls, and generated publications that served as a resource to advocates and policymakers across the State.
Benson was awarded a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University, a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Benson says he works to support education because he believes that high-quality education leads to a higher quality of life for people and communities. He says, “We cannot rest until high quality education is available to everyone.”