Mr. Frederick S. Benson, III

Fred Benson served as president of the United States-New Zealand Council from May 2001 until May 2004. Prior to joining the Council, he 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 a colonel after 20 years of 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 received 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 is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

Queen Elizabeth designated Mr. Benson an honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2007.

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