Ingram's April 2024

CLASS of 2024

JEFF BERGMAN “I couldn't have imagined,” Jeff Bergman muses, that “when I started 17 years ago as an entry-level actuary at

boys. “Along with my wife, Whitney, they are my biggest motivation in life and I strive to make them proud every day,” he says. Well, he’s certainly given them reason to be proud: At 34, he’s vice president of business banking at Commerce Bank, serving as a trusted advisor to owners and executives with family-owned and privately held compa nies in manufacturing, transportation, distribution, construction and service oriented businesses. Among others. “I'm passionate about helping customers navigate complex financial challenges along with obtaining financing for com mercial real estate, equipment purchas es, business acquisitions and establish ing working-capital lines of credit,” the 34-year-old says. “In the past two years, I Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas that I would be in the position I am today.” Frankly, nobody else could have imagined that for themselves, either: Bergman is one of a kind as chief finan cial officer for the biggest health insur er in Kansas. In that role, he oversees $2.3 billion in revenue and $1 billion in invested assets, directing a team of more than 150 in a never-ending battle to deliver health-care coverage at the most affordable rates. “The best part of my work,” Bergman says, “is serving Kansans in everything we do. Our work during the peak of COVID exhibited that—we eliminated copays for COVID health care, provided interest-free loans to health-care providers, gave premium rebates to our dental customers, and

have doubled my commercial portfolio,” a testament to his work ethic and strong commitment to customers. His client first approach has earned him the bank’s Commercial Sales Excellence awards four years running, followed by the Kansas City Sales Recognition Award last year. Breen serves as a mentor for the bank's expansion-market trainee program as well as its Ascend Trainee Program, and in those capacities, “I enjoy providing guidance and being a sounding board for younger bankers so they can forge their own successful career path.” He’s also logged service on the Olathe Planning Commission, the Kansas City Sports Commission’s Emerging Leaders Advisory Board and volunteer youth sports coach. raised provider payments as relief from inflationary pressures.” Being able to ensure that the funds were available to accomplish those goals, while main taining financial security for customers, he says enthusiastically, “is rewarding work!” Health care is complicated and rapidly evolving, Bergman says, “so we have no shortage of problems to solve to make it simpler for our customers and to be there when they need us.” Outside of work, he lends his financial acumen to boards and organizations that make Topeka a better place to live. And at home, he says, “from cross country cheerleader to chauffer for play rehearsals, I also support the goals and hobbies of my three children, Lucas, Anna, and Joseph.”

TAYLOR BREEN Motivation starts at home for Taylor Breen, who says his greatest accomplish ment is being the father of three young

The Premier Golf Vacation Rentals Reserve Your Stay at of Old Kinderhook and Pebble Bay Club PebbleBayClub.com 816.679.1828 n JSweeney @ Ingrams.com

Cottages 21 and 22 on the 16th Par 3 Hole of Old Kinderhook Perfect for Retreats, Meetings and Reunions 44 Beds in 4 Golf Course and Lake Homes + Hotel Suites YOUR HOME AT THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS

I ng r am ’ s 31

Kansas City's Business Media

April 2024