Note by Valerie Gelicame

As an Executive Assistant on the Creative team, my primary role and function is mainly behind the scenes – completing a variety of projects and tasks that intentionally fly below the radar. The past 5 years working with Ben, however, he always took notice. He always showed appreciation. Above all, he always made me feel valued… and he wasn’t even my manager.

I believe that speaks volumes of the type of leader Ben was to not only myself, but to everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. Though Ben was high on the corporate totem pole, he was consistently in the weeds with the greater team. He fostered a culture of camaraderie, inclusiveness and excellence. He loved the work we did and paid special attention to every single painstaking detail of what we created, from Super Bowl Campaigns to team swag. He expected nothing short of perfection from our team and helped many of us realize and achieve our full career potential. 

The harmonious pairing of his innate creativity with his ability to positively influence others was truly his superpower. He was a role model to us all, both professionally and personally. He celebrated our team’s milestones and victories in the same proud tone he spoke of his sons’ achievements. We watched him juggle immense pressure and deadlines at work while still prioritizing time for school events and facetime calls with his kids. As a working father, he taught many of the first time parents on our team (including myself) the meaning and importance of work/life balance. 

He was funny, protective, and loyal. He possessed all of the qualities you would want in a friend and co-worker. He remembered the little things about everyone, like favorite foods/places, and was always willing to lend an ear or helping hand. 

Ben took the time to write me a performance review (again, completely unnecessary because he wasn’t even my manager), and in it he said “Val should continue being the best and we should all continue being lucky to work with her.”

Those words meant so much to me, and this is my chance to return that compliment to Ben – I was the lucky one to work with him. He was simply the best, and he will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

— Valerie Gelicame