Trooper Sanders to join Benefits Data Trust as Chief Executive Officer

Philadelphia, September 5, 2019Benefits Data Trust (BDT) announced today the selection of Trooper Sanders as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer.

A Detroit native, Sanders has more than 20 years of experience working at the crossroads of business, government, and the nonprofit sector. For eight years, he was a social impact and policy advisor to financial technology startups, business leaders, and philanthropic initiatives. As the Clinton Foundation’s domestic policy advisor, he developed economic opportunity programs and helped create the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The joint venture with the American Heart Association tackling obesity in the United States was co-chaired by former President Clinton and former Governors Mike Huckabee and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He also held White House policy staff positions during two administrations, including serving as an advisor on mental health and military family initiatives. Sanders most recently was a Rockefeller Foundation Fellow, carrying out a project that identified opportunities to ensure that artificial intelligence improves social and economic equity.

Sanders’s first day at BDT will be September 16, 2019, succeeding Ginger Zielinskie who led BDT for the last 14 years, growing the organization from 10 employees to more than 170 today.

“The board is delighted to welcome Trooper as BDT’s next CEO,” said Warren Kantor, BDT founder and board chair. “With Trooper’s unique blend of experience working with government, nonprofits, philanthropy, and startup companies, we are certain he will effectively guide BDT into its next phase of growth and scale.”

“Too many people are working hard and doing their best but still cannot put food on the table or a roof over their heads,” said Sanders. “BDT works with states and communities all across the country to help people live healthier and more independent lives. I am honored and excited to join such an extraordinary team.”

“Trooper is the right leader to help BDT continue to scale its impact,” said Zielinskie. “He has a deep understanding of the problems the organization seeks to solve, he has demonstrated expertise across policy and practice change, and he is a visionary who understands how we can better use technology to support people on a path to economic mobility and better health.”

Sanders is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds a Master of Science degree from the London School of Economics and a Master of Laws from the University of London. He has served on a variety of nonprofit governing and advisory boards, including Girl Scouts of the USA, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the Emerging Markets Development Corporation, the Military Family Research Institute, International Social Service of the USA, and the Forum for Youth Investment.

About Benefits Data Trust

Benefits Data Trust (BDT) is a national nonprofit that helps people live healthier, more independent lives by creating smarter ways to access essential benefits and services. Each year, BDT helps tens of thousands of people receive critical supports using data, technology, targeted outreach, and policy change. Since inception in 2005, BDT has screened more than one million households and secured over $7 billion in benefits and services. BDT employs more than 170 people and provides enrollment assistance to individuals in six states and policy assistance to states nationwide. For more information, visit www.bdtrust.org.