Ben Kesler

Ben Kesler is the Executive Director of NPower Missouri based in the St. Louis metro region and proudly serving more than 400 alumni.

Ben has 15 years of experience in the higher education and non-profit space, with the last 7 years focused on workforce development. Prior to being named the Executive Director, Ben served as both the Program and Placement Director at NPower Missouri – where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Tech Fundamental program, while simultaneously providing the strategic framework for internship, apprenticeship, and full-time hire success for their numerous alumni. Ben is committed to providing access to high-wage careers for all learners from all socioeconomic backgrounds and creating opportunities for those from non-traditional education paths. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, Ben earned a graduate certificate from the University of Missouri in Nonprofit Management.

Before joining NPower, Ben was the Director of Career Services at recording artist, Nelly’s music production school (EI by Nelly) in downtown St. Louis. Ben has a record of success in the music industry, himself, working with ten GRAMMY-winning artists in the roles of either audio engineer or guitarist. He is also a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (GRAMMYs) and an adjunct professor at Webster University School of Communication’s audio department. Additionally, he is a board member for the St. Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective and an advisory board member for Maryville University’s College of Computer Sciences.