BERGES FAMILY FOUNDATION STAFF
Kelly Lamb Pollock
Chief Executive Officer
Kelly joined the Berges Family Foundation (BFF) as the inaugural CEO in September 2022, bringing leadership with vision and integrity, relationship and partnership building expertise, fiscal management and stewardship of resources, and her passion for St. Louis’ non-profit community and the BFF.
Kelly has depth and breadth of leadership experience, including over 24 years at St. Louis’s Center of Creative Arts (COCA), where she became Executive Director in 2010. Under her leadership, COCA, the fourth largest multidisciplinary community arts center in the US and an arts-education leader, pioneered new programs and partnerships that led to significant growth of its arts education programs, enrollments, and fundraising. Kelly led COCA’s Create Our Future Campaign, securing $49 million to grow its endowment and expand its historic facility, including its new 460-seat, state-of-the-art theatre – the Catherine B. Berges Theatre – made possible by a gift from the Berges Family Foundation.
Kelly has earned multiple awards and distinctions, including a 2018 YWCA Leader of Distinction, 2016 USA Eisenhower Fellows, a 2015 Saint Louis Visionary Award winner, named one of “35 bold minds creating a better St. Louis” by ALIVE Magazine, and one of 2015’s Most Influential Business Women by the St. Louis Business Journal, and many more.
Kelly completed FOCUS’ Leadership St. Louis and CORO Women in Leadership programs and has served on the Boards of LUME Institute, Radio Arts Foundation, and Americans for the Arts: Arts Education Advisory Council, as well as an adjunct faculty at Webster University.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Washington University and a master’s degree in Public Policy Administration from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.
Kelly is married to her high school sweetheart, Mitch Pollock. They have two high schoolers, Oliver and Adelaide, and two dogs who run the house, Walter and Willa. Kelly loves bicycling, running, hiking, yoga, and swimming, and spends much of her free time with the family at their cabin on Lake Barclay.
BERGES FAMILY FOUNDATION TRUSTEES
Jim G. Berges
CO-FOUNDER OF BERGES FAMILY FOUNDATION
Partner, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
For over 45 years, Jim worked with and led some of the world’s most successful global corporations. His successful career began with GE after graduating from Notre Dame with a degree in electrical engineering in 1969. In 1976, he left GE and joined Emerson Electric, where he served in numerous leadership roles across multiple businesses. Ultimately, as Vice Chairman and President of the company, Jim assumed responsibility for leading corporate growth and development activities including mergers and acquisitions, planning and technology.
Jim retired from Emerson in 2005 and shortly thereafter joined the private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in New York as an Operating Partner. He continues at CD&R today, working actively to source and evaluate investments, typically divestitures from large, multi-national corporations.
Jim currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Core and Main (NYSE: CNM), a national distributor of pipe, valves, and fittings for water and fire protection systems. He has previously served on the Boards of Atkore International, Cornerstone, Johnson Diversey and PPG Industries and as Chairman of the Board of HD Supply, Hussmann Corporation, and Sally Beauty Holdings.
Currently serving on the Executive Committee of the Opera Theater board, the Art Museum board, and the St. Louis Zoo board, you will often find Jim helping young up-and-coming St. Louis entrepreneurs with their business startups.
Elizabeth Mannen Berges
LEAD TRUSTEE
Mannen Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
Managing Director, Investments
Elizabeth Mannen Berges is a Managing Director of Investments, Mannen Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, a practice focused on providing family office services to high net worth clients, family foundations, and those in the midst of significant life changes, such as selling a business, the death of a spouse, divorce, or those considering retirement.
She is a five-time cancer survivor who never gives up and lives to give back. To that end, Elizabeth is heavily involved in the Berges Family Foundation, where she interviews, vets, prepares, and presents to its founder, Jim Berges, the best places for the nonprofit foundation’s investments. Passionate about this work, Elizabeth sees this as an ideal opportunity to continue to contribute to making St. Louis a better place to live, work, and invest.
Elizabeth has received multiple mainstream industry accolades during her 30 years at Wells Fargo Advisors and has been an active participant in its corporate philanthropy efforts. She sees herself as a connector, bringing either dollars, resources, or people to the organizations she serves.
Currently, Elizabeth is a Board member of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Barnes Jewish Hospital, COCA, St. Louis Brickline Greenway, and St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness. She has also been a member of Sing for Siteman for 7 consecutive years and in 2017, served as the Honorary Chair. Previously, she was a board member of the Missouri Baptist Hospital Foundation and Lydia’s House.
Elizabeth is married to Jim and between them, they have three 35-year-old kids, including Kevin Berges who has his own business in St. Charles, and Elizabeth’s twins, Katherine, an attorney with a practice in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Kristopher, an engineer with McCarthy in St. Louis. Elizabeth and Jim spend their time traveling and keeping up with their kids and spouses and two grandkids.
Notice: Elizabeth acts in a completely separate role as a team member with the Berges Family Foundation from her position as a Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors. Wells Fargo is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC.
Michael J. Silver
Partner, Husch Blackwell
Michael is currently a practicing partner with Husch Blackwell in their estate planning and private wealth group. A member of the Financial Services and Capital Markets industry team, Michael applies more than 20 years of experience in his national practice, concentrating on sophisticated estate planning, business succession and tax planning for high net worth clients.
With extensive experience in federal transfer taxation and various income tax and estate planning techniques, Michael provides on-going business counseling and guidance to many families and family businesses. In addition to estate and business planning, Michael’s practice areas also include estate and trust administration, charitable planning, asset protection, and corporate law. He was won several awards and recognitions including the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, Estate Planning & Probate, Rising Star Award in 2008 and 2010, St. Louis Small Business Monthly Top St. Louis Lawyer Award in February 2009, “Best Attorney” from St. Louis Small Business Monthly in 2020, and the “St. Louis Top Attorney” from St. Louis Small Business Monthly in 2021.
Michael is married to Laura Silver and they have 18-year-old twins, Ryan and Katie, who attend Ladue High School. Michael enjoys civic involvement, including being on the executive board of Jewish Family Children’s Service, serving as Chairman of the Board of the Harvey Kornblum Foundation, and as a board member for the Berges Family Foundation. When not succumbing to injuries, he loves to play soccer several times a week.
Kevin James Berges
Owner of Wolf Head Engraving
Kevin, the son of Cathy and Jim, graduated from Ranken Technical School in 2007 with a certificate in industrial maintenance and went on to a career in satellite communications operations and maintenance with the US Army. In 2011, he served his country in Kuwait/Iraq as part of the ITT Defense team in satellite communications.
Currently, Kevin volunteers weekly at the Red Cross in St. Louis and is involved in the property maintenance of the family’s commercial real estate holdings. He is also the owner of and laser engraving designer at Wolf Head Engraving. Kevin is a member of the Berges Family Foundation and volunteers his time with various veteran organizations like Team Rubicon and The Mission Continues.
Kevin has received numerous accolades from various nonprofit organizations for his service and dedication.
Katherine Mannen Wackerman
Mannen Browne, LLC
Attorney
Katie was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Her connection to Jackson began as a young girl when she and her family would spend many vacations in the area. She earned her B.A. in 2009 from Elon University in North Carolina. In 2012, she earned her J.D. from the University of Wyoming College of Law. While in law school, Katie worked at the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Katie was admitted to the Wyoming State Bar in 2013. She worked for the Teton County and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for one year before going into private practice in May 2014 at a local Jackson, Wyoming firm. Katie made the decision to start her own practice, Mannen Law, LLC in 2016 and is now a partner at Mannen Browne LLC. Katie is admitted to practice in Wyoming State and Federal Courts.
Katie’s practice consists of:
- Family Law
- Criminal Defense
- Mediation
- Personal Injury
- General Civil Litigation
Katie recognizes that many of her clients are navigating the most difficult time in their lives, and takes pride in her role as their counselor, advisor, and advocate. In addition to her regular practice, Katie takes cases through the Teton County Access to Justice Center which helps to provide legal services for citizens in Wyoming who otherwise could not afford representation. She has also been appointed by the court to represent individuals in involuntary hospitalization matters. She is a member and former president of the Teton County Bar Association, a member of the Wyoming State Bar, and the Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association.
Katie’s philanthropic endeavors include a long-time involvement in the local committee for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The committee is tasked with putting on an annual fundraising event in Jackson every summer. Katie is also an active trustee of the Berges Family Foundation located in her hometown of St. Louis. The Berges Family Foundation supports and helps fund cultural engagement, STEM preparedness, youth empowerment, and support for our heroes and first responders.
Katie and her husband, a Jackson native and rancher by trade, enjoy spending their time outdoors with their herd of animals including dogs, horses, and a miniature cow!
Kristopher W. Mannen
McCarthy Building Companies
Superintendent
Kris was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned his B.S. in Physics from Elon University in 2009, and in 2011 earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina State University. He joined McCarthy Building Companies, a St. Louis firm, the same year.
Kris has been working for McCarthy as a traveling partner for 12 years. He has worked on projects in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, NE, Oklahoma City, OK, and New Orleans, LA. His projects have included heart hospitals, VA hospitals, and national laboratories.
Kris moved back to his hometown of St. Louis in the summer of 2020 to take the role of lead superintendent on the BJC Campus Renewal Project, which consists of a new patient tower that is replacing the former Queeny Tower.
Kristopher volunteers his time, talent, and treasure through the many opportunities that McCarthy provides, and is enjoying relearning the philanthropic landscape of his hometown.
Outside of work, Kris enjoys the Cardinals, traveling in and outside of the country, and spending time with his wife Lindsay, their 21-month-old daughter, Addie, and his large, extended family.
Malory L. Caltagirone
Mannen Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
Financial Advisor
Malory L. Caltagirone joined Financial Advisor Elizabeth Mannen and team in September, 2014 as a Registered Client Associate. Assisting in building processes and structure for the team, Malory was promoted to Financial Consultant in 2017. After completing the Private Wealth Financial Consultant and New Advisor Development Training, Malory became a Financial Advisor and partner of the Mannen Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in 2022. Malory assists Elizabeth and Jarid with guiding clients to the appropriate investment. She uses her exceptional communication skills to assist the Mannen Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors’ clients with their needs including problem solving, strategy implementation and professional coordination. Malory also utilizes her skills in the application of new technologies to help clients interact, engage and organize their financial lives in new ways.
Malory came from Wells Fargo Advisors home office. Previously she worked in WellsTrade as a Trading Service Representative for self-directed brokerage accounts. Most recently she worked on the Product Marketing Desk. Through her early experiences, Malory gained an understanding of the importance of building meaningful client relationships and attention to detail. Malory earned her B.A in Communication from University of Missouri St. Louis.
Away from the office, Malory enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband Christopher, son Giovanni, and daughter Daphne. Malory can be found at concerts and festivals enjoying live music and various arts. She enjoys trying new food at local restaurants or meals made at home by Chef Christopher. Her biggest passions are going on new adventures with her family and celebrating all Saint Louis city has to offer.
Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Cathy B. Berges, 1948-2020
CO-FOUNDER OF BERGES FAMILY FOUNDATION
Lifelong Philanthropist
Cathy Berges had a long history with and love for theater, jazz, art, and animals. She was instrumental in positively influencing the St. Louis cultural arts community and its national recognition and growth.
She gave a tremendous amount of time and support to the Berges Family Foundation, their benefactors, and the many causes she felt deeply passionate about, including sitting on the boards of the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Missouri History Museum.
While Cathy devoted her time and talents to a myriad of St. Louis nonprofits over the decades, her focus and passion included all areas of theater, especially access for children, the ethical treatment of animals and fair legislation for all stakeholders to support it, women’s health issues, and integrative patient health.
She was also a strong believer that every dollar donated to nonprofit organizations counts. In their early years of philanthropy, all she and Jim could spare was $5.00 here and there. As time passed, they were able to give $25.00 or $100.00, and as their success grew, so did the checks. Today, the Berges Family Foundation is still giving to what matters most to them and inspiring others to give whatever they can.
BERGES FAMILY FOUNDATION PARTNER
St. Louis Community Foundation
Inspiring Charitable Giving Since 1915
The Berges Family Foundation hired the St. Louis Community Foundation to assist its Trustees with fulfilling our specific mission of giving to organizations that fit our focus areas and make a lasting impact – an impact that touches individuals deeply, thereby creating a cascade of benefits to the community and our great city.
Elizabeth Mannen says of this partnership, “The Community Foundation has been
invaluable in helping us sort out which organizations best fit the Berges’ giving plan, as well as helping
us refine the mission, and give to organizations that fit our goals and collaborate with each other.”
Having the St. Louis Community Foundation as an extension of our giving strategy has helped the Berges Family Foundation fulfill their giving mission with efficiency and an unbiased perspective. We consider them an inspiration and a tremendous benefit to philanthropy in St. Louis.
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Our foundation has four focus areas based on our love of and dedication to many causes that are dear to us. We also want to support those who are making St. Louis not only a wonderful place to live, work, and play, but putting it on the map as a cultural and technologically savvy place to invest. We encourage you to give to your favorite cause in any way that you can – through financial donations, volunteering, sharing, fund-raising, or participating.
Our selfless team and our partnership with the St. Louis Community Foundation make it possible for the Berges Family Foundation to grow through planning, support, and organization of the minutiae that is crucial to helping as many people as possible. We deeply value the work of our team and credit those who help support our charitable goals.