"Visionary Leadership Wedded to the Tears and Scars of the Liberian People"
Benoni Urey
Benoni Urey has become the most recognized businessman and political figure, with a life-story that makes him a true Liberian icon.
His rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of Liberia’s wealthiest citizens is truly remarkable. As a determined young man, professionalism, hard work, and
integrity led to him being unrivaled and destined for greatness. His commitment and passion for empowering Liberians, through his diverse investments, philanthropy, and political
service, is an integral part of his character. Urey’s unwavering patriotism, spirit to uplift Liberia, and dedication to excellence, unerringly, makes him a legend.
After studying at USC, he was appointed as Deputy Director General for Planning and Training of the Liberia Electricity Company Training Center by the Late President, Samuel K. Doe in 1986. He served in this position until the Liberian civil war broke out in 1989.
When the war commenced, Urey, his wife, Mai Urey, and firstborn daughter, Danielle Urey, sought refuge in Freetown, Sierra Leone for eight months, before leaving for Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. While in Abidjan, Ben worked as a consultant at the African Development Bank (AfDB). He worked for AfDB until his contract expired in 1993. In 1994, Urey returned to Bong County and started work as the Managing Director of Liberia Rubber Development
Corporation.
In 1995, when the Interim Government of Liberia was formed, Chaired by Wilton Sankawulo, Urey was appointed President of the Agricultural Cooperative Development Bank of Liberia. In 1996, this Interim Government appointed him Commissioner of Maritime Affairs. When Former President Charles Ghankay Taylor won elections in 1997, Urey continued serving as Commissioner of Maritime under the Taylor administration. He served until 2003, when Taylor resigned from office.
In 2009, Urey was elected Mayor of Careysburg City by the City Council. President Sirleaf endorsed the election by subsequently appointing him mayor. He served as Mayor until 2011.
Benoni is a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church of Liberia. He serves as the Sexton of The First Presbyterian Church of Careysburg. Both his father and grandfather were members of this church.
He currently serves as a board member at Cuttington University. The University, in 2011, awarded him, the Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) Honoris Causa.
Through his foundation, Urey Scholarship Fund, Benoni Urey continues to dedicate his time and resources to educate the young people of this nation. Ben truly believes in giving back to this country through service.
He is a member of the Careysburg City Council, a member of the board of Liberia’s highest medical institution of learning (Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons) and also a member of the board of directors at the Redemption Hospital.
The Government of Liberia, in recognition of his service, honored him Knight Great Band of the Liberian Humane Order of African Redemption. Benoni speaks English and Kpelle. He is a member of most local traditional societies and is also Deputy District Grand Master of the Masonic Craft of Liberia. Ben is a Honorary Past Patron of the Eastern Stars of Liberia. He loves basketball and sponsors several players, tournaments, and teams throughout the country.
