Ben Pickens
Compliance Manager

Ben Pickens serves as Compliance Manager at the Development Finance Authority of Summit County, where he ensures the seamless reporting, compliance, and fund deployment for a wide range of public and private investments. In his role, Ben prepares and submits detailed reports to federal, state, and local funders and investors, manages borrower outcome tracking, oversees a diverse portfolio of funding sources, and writes and edits grant applications to support the organization’s mission-driven work.

Ben brings a strong academic foundation in economics, holding both a Master and Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and began his career in community development as an AmeriCorps VISTA in East Akron. His analytical mindset and attention to detail support DFA’s commitment to transparent and effective financial stewardship.

While much of his work is behind the scenes, Ben is driven by the real-world impact of DFA’s efforts. He especially enjoys visiting the businesses supported by the organization—ranging from small, family-owned shops to multimillion-dollar enterprises—and seeing how their growth benefits the community.

A creative problem-solver, Ben takes pride in building interactive, multipurpose Excel tools that streamline internal processes and make his colleagues' work more efficient. His technical skills have become an essential part of DFA’s compliance and operational infrastructure.

Outside of work, Ben is an avid outdoorsman who participates in the Fall Hiking Spree each year. He enjoys swimming, drawing, photography, and spending time with friends. He is also deeply engaged in the community, serving on the board of the Summit Choral Society and as a member of the Torchbearers Class of 2024.