Benjamin Roitman, a fifth-year education and public policy major, was recently named the executive director for THON 2026. Since then, he’s been working hard to prepare for next year’s 46-hour dance marathon and has recently selected the rest of the executive committee.

Roitman has been involved with THON is many ways over the years, including serving as the Supply Logistics director for THON 2025. With four years’ worth of experience under his belt, Roitman is excited for the opportunity to continue to expand THON’s mission and year-long efforts.

With big plans for the coming year, Roitman spoke to Onward State about his visions and responsibilities for THON 2026.

Onward State: What roles have you served in before becoming director within THON, and how will your past THON experiences help you in your role as executive director?

Benjamin Roitman: I have served as a Rules and Regulations captain for THON 2022, a Dancer Relations committee member for THON 2023, a Supply Logistics captain for THON 2024, and the Supply Logistics director for THON 2025.

Having been on the Supply Logistics committee for two years, I have worked in positions assisting other committees. I am very excited for an opportunity to work super closely with all 18 committees and help each one grow. This past year, I also worked with key external stakeholders and donors to ensure THON maintains a strong fundraising efficiency. As the executive director, I will look to utilize that experience to represent THON and our mission to a wider audience of external stakeholders.

OS: What was your motivation behind applying to be the THON 2026 executive director?

BR: THON has been a home for me at Penn State and has allowed me to give as much of myself as possible to a mission that is very important to me. Growing up, I watched as a friend and community member battled Leukemia. Understanding the support they needed from their community has driven me to give whatever I can to the families we support.

THON is at a moment of such opportunity and growth, and I wanted to have a chance to assist and observe this community dedicate so much to the fight against childhood cancer. I wanted to bring people together that will think about how to best increase our impact in the fight against childhood cancer and be a resource for them every step of the way. Lastly, I wanted to give back as much as possible to an organization that has given me so much in my time at Penn State.

OS: What was your reaction when you found out you were chosen?

BR: I am definitely still processing the fact that I am in this position, and I do not think it has totally sunk in yet. I came from out of state and had very little conception of THON before I got to campus. As a first-year, THON became my home, and it is crazy to think that I get to play a role in fostering that home for another first-year. I am so excited to take on all that this year has to bring and work tirelessly to advance this mission and organization. I am so honored and grateful to be in this position, and I cannot wait to see what this incredible community achieves for THON 2026.

OS: What are some of your main responsibilities as executive director?

BR: The executive director is primarily responsible for selecting and supporting the executive committee. I cannot wait to bring in the 18 members of the executive committee and watch as they become the experts and leaders of their committees. I hope to empower each member to seek out the growth of their committee and cohesively provide building blocks for THON’s future. The executive director also works closely with various external stakeholders, including Four Diamonds. I am excited to see our close collaboration with our sole beneficiary that will help both organizations bring us closer to a cure for childhood cancer.

OS: What was the process like of selecting the members of the executive committee?

BR: It is humbling to select a group of some of the most passionate volunteers in the organization with the strongest visions for growth. I have gotten to know some of the operations of other committees over the past four years, but this process was really a chance to dive deep and gain a stronger understanding of where each committee is right now and where it could go. The fact that there are so many applicants who have let their passion lead them to this point speaks volumes about how incredible this organization is. The selection process was a matter of finding the people whose passion and vision for THON align with what I hope to see for THON 2026 and beyond. This group is not simply the best group of 18 committee directors, but the best executive committee possible to see out the growth of THON. They are such amazing volunteers, leaders, and carriers of our mission, and I cannot wait to see what they accomplish.

OS: What do you want to implement in your position this year that’s unique and differs from years past, and what are some goals you hope to reach?

BR: This year, THON and the executive committee have an opportunity to build out a few new positions. I want to ensure that we utilize these to their fullest potential so that THON can take even more ownership of our operations and further develop our culture. We can expand our reach and inclusion greatly in digital spaces and in the groups we reach here on campus. Developing the new positions on the executive committee will be such a cool opportunity this year.

I first and foremost want the executive committee to be a close-knit group of friends. Understanding and connecting on a personal level will greatly strengthen our professional and working relationships. I also want to impart a mindset of looking for the why in every practice that we have as an organization. Utilizing an increased emphasis on data analysis, we should be ensuring that every action has an explanation and will help us grow in the long term.

OS: What is your favorite THON memory?

BR: It is hard to now say anything other than the total reveal from THON 2025. Standing side by side with the rest of the executive committee and sharing with the whole THON community, the profound impact we are able to make in the lives of families affected by childhood cancer is so special. The quiet before the cards go up, the roar of the crowd, and the embrace with the rest of the executive committee make an absurd rollercoaster of emotions, and it is so cool to see the community quantify the steps that we have taken closer to a cure for childhood cancer.

OS: What is one fun or weird fact about yourself?

BR: I have memorized all of the country flags in the world and will quiz myself every month to ensure that I do not forget any.

OS: Why do you THON?

BR: I THON so that our families can focus primarily on being a family. Our year-long efforts provide a home where they can feel the support of 16,500 and find the understanding that exists in a community of families who have gone through a similar experience. To be able to provide moments of solace, joy, and relief while raising the funds that will eradicate this disease will always compel me to do whatever I can for this organization and cause. Growing up is a beautiful thing, and I am so honored to have the opportunity to fight for it. 

OS: As per OS tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which would you be and why?

BR: Ankylosaurus. It’s such a uniquely built dinosaur, and I am a huge fan of the club tail.