Eric Benson was appointed City Manager of the great city of Enid, Oklahoma in 2007. In this role, he is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and management of all City departments. As provided for by the City Charter and in accordance with policies and procedures and direction of the City Council, the City Manager is the chief executive officer of the City. This position is responsible for the enforcement of all laws and ordinances; coordination of all municipal programs and services; makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council as appropriate concerning the operation, affairs and future needs of the City.
Previously, Eric Benson was a member of the Senior Executive Service of the United States. Appointed by President George W. Bush, he served as Deputy Director of the Selective Service System, Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and as the Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Eric Benson retired from the U.S. Navy in 2001 as a Captain after 28 years of active duty flying fighter aircraft. He commanded Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the world’s largest tactical air base. He also commanded Fighter Squadron Forty-One, flying F-14 Tomcats. He logged more than 5,000 hours and over 1,000 carrier landings. A combat veteran, he flew 44 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm.
Eric Benson is a 1973 graduate of Oklahoma State University where he earned a BS in Agriculture and was selected as a distinguished alumnus in 2000. He earned Master's degrees from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and from Salve Regina College. He is also a graduate of the Naval War College.
Eric Benson is a native of Oklahoma and a life member of several national veterans organizations.