Benjamin Dessart is a graduate of the University of Virginia where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History in 2012. Upon graduation, Ben worked political campaigns throughout Virginia, including a period as Political Director for the U.S. House Majority Leader. He attended the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond and received his juris doctor in 2017.

From 2014 to 2017, Ben served as legislative assistant to a member of the House of Delegates representing Virginia’s 56th District. After a time in Local Government Affairs at Richmond-based Altria, he joined Universal Corporation, Virginia’s leading agricultural supplier, as Director of Corporate Affairs. In 2022, he was promoted to Vice President of External Affairs responsible for advancing the interests of Universal’s 2,000 employees, 200,000 contracted farmers, and the communities in which they operate.

Ben currently serves on the boards of Virginia FREE, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Chamber PAC, and the Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges. He continues his commitment to his community as a parishioner at St. Michael’s Catholic Church and a member of the Glen Allen Ruritans.