Kathryn Berger Awarded 2023 Milwaukee Business Journal’s Women of Influence

CG Schmidt’s Director of Client Services, Kathryn Berger, has been recognized for her impact on community organizations, partnerships and economic development efforts.  

KATHRYN BERGER – MILWAUKEE BUSINESS JOURNAL’S WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

Awarded Community Supporter for the 2023 Milwaukee Business Journal’s Women of Influence, Kathryn Berger is committed to strengthening local communities and extends her impact through her role as Director of Client Services at CG Schmidt. 

Kathryn began her career as a Program Officer at Milwaukee LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), providing financing and technical assistance to dozens of community-based real estate projects in Milwaukee. She helped create community spaces and hundreds of units of affordable housing in Milwaukee neighborhoods, including Villard Avenue, King Drive and National Avenue. As a mentor to many young people starting nonprofit careers, Kathryn formed trusted relationships with numerous nonprofits and community leaders which she maintains to this day.  Her passion for community service is integral to her work at CG Schmidt and is evident as she champions volunteer programs for the company, such as cooking meals for Kathy’s House, Versiti blood drives, Habitat for Humanity, run/walks for various nonprofits, Make a Difference Day and countless others. Notably, Kathryn spearheaded campaign management for a CG Schmidt Managing Director Bryce Unger in his pursuit of Leukemia Lymphoma Society Man of the Year, in which he achieved runner-up and raised approximately $90,000 for blood research. 

 Kathryn invests considerable time in understanding client needs and engaging staff to identify construction solutions that meet the project’s goals. She recognizes that any capital investment in infrastructure has economic and social impact and works tirelessly to ensure opportunities to advance workforce, education, health, environmental conditions are realized. Kathryn also recognizes that community satisfaction is just as important as client satisfaction. She works with the building owner, community organizations and networks of subcontractors and partners to understand economic and community drivers for the project and opportunities for students, employees or resident involvement throughout the construction project.  

Recently, Kathryn’s involvement in the Bradley Tech Industry Advisory Council has led to CG Schmidt’s ongoing engagement with students in the construction classroom and new opportunities for youth apprenticeship with the company.  Additionally, Kathryn’s ongoing involvement with community economic development organizations has led to new business opportunities for numerous diverse businesses with CG Schmidt.  She works tirelessly to seek and secure support for numerous projects, whether from state, local or private funding sources, volunteers or endorsements from community and political leaders. Kathryn’s efforts to garner widespread community support when approaching new projects result in fiscally responsible and fully funded construction, sustainable methods and, most importantly, projects that help communities thrive.