Vice President of Political Affairs and Strategy

Ben Shnider serves as J Street’s senior political advisor. He has an extensive background at the intersection of political advocacy, policy and community organizing. Before taking on this role, Ben ran for County Council in Montgomery County, Maryland and nearly upset an entrenched incumbent with the endorsement of nearly every local progressive group.

Prior to that, Ben worked as J Street’s national political director and helped launch Bend the Arc Jewish Action’s PAC. He has also held various roles on local and state campaigns in Maryland and began his career as a field organizer for President Barack Obama’s historic 2008 campaign.
Ben earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Emory University and his Executive Master in Public Management from the University of Maryland. He lives in Rockville, Maryland with his wife, Sheri, and dog, Twist.