Board of Trustees

Fred Benson served as president of the United States-New Zealand Council from May 2001 until May 2004, and currently holds the position of Vice Chairman. Prior to joining the Council, Mr. Benson served 18 years as Vice President for federal and international affairs for the Weyerhaeuser Company.

Before beginning his private-sector career, Benson served in the United States Army, retiring as one of the younger colonels on active duty. His responsibilities included senior positions in the offices of the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army, as well as aviation and ground command assignments in Korea, Vietnam and Alaska. He holds several awards and decorations including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and 17 Air Medals.

Mr. Benson holds a BA in Government and Law from Lafayette College, an MA in Public Administration from Auburn University; and he attended the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School.

In January 2007, Queen Elizabeth designated Mr. Benson an honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). The award was presented to him by Prime Minister Helen Clark on March 20 during her visit to Washington for meetings with President Bush and members of his Cabinet.