Ben Speggen

Ben Speggen is an experienced professional in education, media, and civic engagement, currently serving as Vice President at the Jefferson Educational Society since February 2015. In this role, Ben guides programmatic growth and public policy efforts across Erie County, Pennsylvania, while overseeing ongoing initiatives like the Scholars in Residence and Civic Leadership Academy. Previous positions include Director of Operations and Program Director at JES, where Ben researched and evaluated lecturers to promote civic enlightenment. Ben also has editorial experience as Contributing Editor and Managing Editor for the Erie Reader and as Editorial Director at Our Towns Civic Foundation. Other notable roles include Senior Editor at Ethos Copywriting, Radio Host and Producer at WQLN Public Media, and Adjunct Lecturer at both Gannon University and Mercyhurst University. Ben holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Gannon University.