Benjamin Arana was appointed to the position of Business Representative in April 2009 after four years on the Examining Board.
Ben was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and raised in Yonkers, New York. He is the youngest of 6 children. His father Jose was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico and his mother Carmen was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Benjamin attended Gorton High School in Yonkers.
In February 1985, he was initiated into Local 3, IBEW. After completing his apprenticeship, he received his “A” journeyman card in July 1990. Ben attended SUNY Empire State College where he received his associate degree in Labor Studies. He furthered his training with classes offered by the Educational and Cultural Trust Fund. He earned certificates and training in Citizenship Responsibility, Confined Space, Lead Abatement, Asbestos Supervisor, Rigging, CDL Permit, Transit Safety, OSHA 10, High Voltage Safety and Lock Out Tag Out. He also holds a NYC Master Electrician License.
Ben has worked as sub-foreman, foreman and general foreman with various shops and was employed as a superintendent for PJS Electric and Five Star Electric. He has served on the Foreman’s Committee and the Wage & Policy Committee of Local 3. Ben was appointed to serve as Examining Board Member from 2005 to 2009. In April 2009, he was appointed to serve as Business Representative of the Bronx responsible for the high voltage testing and instrumentation technicians of Local 3. In March 2015, the Business Manager also gave him the responsibility of solar energy for the five boroughs and in 2018 was appointed to the Harassment and Discrimination Committee. In the Bronx, Ben was elected to the Overall Economic Development Corporation in 2016 and currently holds the position of Secretary.
Ben has been a member of the Santiago Iglesias Educational Society (SIES) since 1984, where he has gone through the ranks and served as Sergeant of Arms, member of Board of Directors, Treasurer, Vice President, and President. He has co-chaired and been the chairman for several of the Society’s dinner dances. SIES has played a large role in mentoring Ben for the career that he has accomplished to date. Ben is also a member of the Bronx Acorn Electrical Club, Keystone Club, Local 3 Motorcycle Club and Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC).
Ben lives in Flushing, Queens. He is the proud father of two beautiful daughters, Michele and Gabriele.
