Ben Cotton – A Biography

Ben Cotton was raised on his family farm near Cummings, North Dakota. He left behind six nieces (Jaylin Cotton, Klaire Cotton, Delaney Cotton and Avah Cotton and Morgan and McKenzie Ptacek as well as Morgan and McKenzie Ptacek) as well as many cousins.

Benjamin Cotton was selected as Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System’s new Chief Investment Officer (CIO) on Jan. 17. He takes over for interim CIO Bob Devine who served during an extensive national search that started back in May 2022.

Early Life and Education

Ben was beloved by six nieces whom he loved dearly. Additionally, he enjoyed raising animals. Ben was known to be kind and loving to everyone he encountered. Ben leaves behind Howard & Colette Cotton as well as Adam Cotton; sister, McKenzie Ptacek; nephews Morgan & Delaney as well as niece, Avah.

As Secretary of State, he successfully procured England and France as allies for the Confederacy. His expertise allowed him to anticipate that their interest would peak after a Confederate victory and decrease following any defeat.

Carver, commonly referred to as the Peanut Man, used agricultural chemistry and scientific methodologies to help impoverished farmers improve their lives. He found that by rotating cotton with soil-enriching crops such as legumes and sweet potatoes, poor farmers could increase yield from one crop.

Professional Career

Benjamin was an accomplished planter and attorney before going on to serve Louisiana in the US Senate as an influential voice supporting slavery. Throughout his career he spoke out forcefully against it.

As Confederate Secretary of State, Benjamin tried to gain support for their war effort from England and France. His experience revealed that their interest peaked following major Confederate victories but declined quickly after serious setbacks.

Cotton began his new position on Jan. 17 and replaced interim CIO Robert Devine, appointed after the board voted in December to replace former James Grossman Jr. who retired in May 2022. PSERS oversees investments worth $69.2 billion on behalf of nearly half a million working and retired members; funded through local, state, employee payroll deductions, investment returns and tax revenue contributions.

Achievement and Honors

Ben graduated from Hillsboro High School and was very involved with 4-H and sports activities, such as all-state football player and state wrestling champion. An avid golfer and family man, he was also a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hillsboro.

Benjamin first took office as Confederate Secretary of War and worked to secure England and France as allies to aid the Southern cause. He observed that England and France would increase interest in Confederacy following a victory, yet their commitment would wane after defeat. Utilizing his knowledge, Benjamin hosted dignitaries while using “cotton diplomacy”. Benjamin was instrumental in founding Confederate Treasury Department. Both Benjamin and his wife have been charged with 16 counts ranging from child torture, endangerment, neglect.

Personal Life

Ben Cotton has kept many details about his family, childhood and early life private. Born in Edmonton Alberta Canada he stands 6′ 3″. With an athletic physique.

Beginning his acting career in 1999 in an episode of Beggars and Choosers TV show, he started taking small roles on various television series.

In 2004, he made his acting debut on Stargate: Atlantis as Dr. Kavanagh across six episodes for one year, before later appearing as Dean Webber on Whistler for eight episodes the same year.

He is the son of Catherine M. and Harvey D. Cotton of Boston and married to Abigail Davidson Fisch who works at a higher education executive search firm and serves on Speakeasy Stage’s board of directors.

Net Worth

Cotton amassed his fortune through his career as a television actor, most notably for roles on Stargate Atlantis as scientist Dr. Kavanagh and portrayal of Leon Bell in Dead Rising 2 video game. Additionally, Cotton has appeared in Smallville and Harper’s Island episodes.

Ford provided him the opportunity to implement investment programs for pension, insurance and cash investments; led audit teams from London to Hiroshima; and helped facilitate improvements to financial reporting controls throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Furthermore, he managed the company’s foreign exchange, commodities and derivatives trading team.

PSERS Board stated Cotton’s military experience combined with corporate and international investment finance expertise made him stand out during its national search process. He began work January 17 and will replace interim CIO Bob Devine, who held that post since December 2021 until retiring May 1. Cotton will oversee $69.2 billion fund’s equity, fixed income, credit, and cash allocations.