BENS was founded in 1982 by mining executive
Stanley A. Weiss. After 25 years in the business industry, Weiss became interested in the geostrategic challenges of nuclear weapons and
mutually assured destruction. At a 3-day conference on nuclear conflict, Weiss realized that the "problem was being addressed from every professional point of view except one: No one from the business community had been asked to contribute." Over the last decade the organization has expanded its focus, addressing issues such as cybersecurity, domestic counterterrorism, and talent management. They have also broadened their partnerships to include other government agencies such as the Departments of
State,
Treasury, and
Homeland Security; the
Office of the Director of National Intelligence; and the
unified combatant commands. ==References==