Meet our Pillar Awardee
Prior Pillar Awardees:
Meet our Visionary Awardee
The NAMI Mercer Visionary Award is given to an individual who uses their position of leadership to set an example for increasing awareness, promoting understanding, and improving the lives of people affected by mental illness.
Dan Benson grew up in Mercer County’s Hamilton Township and went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, where he studied physics and government, before returning to New Jersey and earning his Master’s in Public Policy from Rutgers’ Bloustein School.
At 25, he was elected to the Hamilton Township Council in 2001, followed by his election to the Mercer County Board of Commissioners in 2008. Dan was elected to the NJ Assembly in 2011, and over twelve years as a legislator he was a prime sponsor on nearly 400 bills signed into law. In 2023 Dan was elected the first new Mercer County Executive in two decades, pledging to bring a new spirit of collaboration, innovation, and transparency to county government.
Dan continues to live in Hamilton Township where he and his wife, Dr. Hande Benson, are raising their son Nicholas.
Prior Visionary Awardees:
2023: David Lee White
2022: Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
2020: Maurice Benard
2019: Brian Hughes
2018: Janssen Neuroscience
Prior WOW Awardee
The NAMI Mercer WOW Award, first presented in 2020, is given to individuals in recognition of their extraordinary contribution to increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting youth mental health.
Prior Community Awardee:
