PODCAST: S4:EP38–BJ Ganem, Sierra Delta

Join us for S4:EP38 of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as BJ Ganem, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Delta sits down with our host Roy Kessel to discuss

BJ Ganem leads the organization and coordination of all administrative functions for Sierra Delta. BJ is a natural leader whose personal experience with military-to-civilian transition influences his insight into what support veterans need when returning home.

Prior to becoming CEO of Sierra Delta in 2017, BJ’s journey led him from the United States Marine Corps to nonprofit organizations such as the Semper Fi Fund. BJ joined the Marine Corps in 1996. At the end of his first enlistment, BJ left active duty but stayed in the ready reserves. While on active duty, BJ worked as a District Sales Manager for Kraft Foods. In May 2004, BJ’s unit was called to serve in support of operations in Iraq.

On November 25, 2004, the vehicle BJ was driving was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D.). The attack left BJ with an amputated left leg, mild brain injury, and shrapnel wounds. Above all, the attack left BJ with the unprepared realization he would no longer be a Marine Infantryman in the fight for freedom.

After navigating the landscape of transition, BJ found his purpose in helping other men and women transition into society. He became an outspoken advocate for veterans and left a 10-year career at Kraft Foods to pursue helping veterans. BJ worked for Semper Fi Fund as an accredited Veteran Service Officer. This role allowed him to assist veterans by helping secure their federal and state benefits. BJ also ensured veterans received accurate discharges.

BJ graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Social Work with an emphasis on military life. Apart from his duties at Sierra Delta, he is captain of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football team (WWAFT). The father of four children, BJ and his wife Sarah live in Reedsburg, WI with their family and two English bulldogs.