Ann currently serves as Superintendent of Brady Public Schools,where she is known for her compassionate leadership and deep commitment to students, families, and community. In western Nebraska, where neighbors show up for one another in meaningful ways, Ann’s leadership reflects the resilience, connection, and care that define rural communities.
Beyond her professional leadership, Ann and her family bring a deeply personal connection to CHAD Nebraska’s mission. Ann is a carrier for hemophilia, and their son Weston lives with the condition. Following a traumatic medical event shortly after his birth, the Foster family experienced firsthand the fear, uncertainty, and resilience that often accompany chronic health conditions. Today, Weston is thriving and is able to self-administer his treatments at home with the support of his parents and sister.
Ann’s commitment to advocacy began long before Weston’s diagnosis. Raised in Henderson, Nebraska, she learned at an early age the importance of speaking up for individuals living with bleeding disorders from her father, Terry Bergen, the oldest living person with hemophilia in Nebraska. Alongside his brother Tim, who also lives with hemophilia, Terry helped shape Ann’s understanding of perseverance, advocacy, and the importance of community support.
Ann has also served as a board member for the Nebraska Chapter of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, reflecting her longstanding commitment to advocacy, education, and support for families navigating bleeding disorders.
Her leadership has also been shaped through moments of crisis and community challenge. During the Cottonwood Fires, Ann reflected on what it means to lead without certainty, emphasizing presence, compassion, and service. In those moments, she witnessed neighbors supporting neighbors, staff stepping in without hesitation, and students showing remarkable empathy. “In these moments, leadership isn’t about having all the answers,” Ann shared. “It’s about being present, steady, and willing to serve.” “Ann and her family embody the heart of CHAD Nebraska’s mission,” said Marilee Malcom, chairperson of CHAD’s Central West Regional board and Executive Director of Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association. “Their lived experience, leadership, and deep connection to community will help inspire and strengthen our fall campaign across the region.”
Guided by the principles of “relationships first, foremost, and forever,” Ann leads with a belief that children are at the heart of every decision and that a strong culture is built “brick by brick every single day.”
The upcoming fall campaign will support CHAD Nebraska’s work alongside partner agencies serving individuals and families facing chronic illness, disability, mental health challenges, and end-of-life care across Nebraska. Funds raised help provide education, advocacy, direct support, and hope during some of life’s most difficult moments.
To schedule a campaign and/or presentation contact Kari Stofer at kstofer@chadnebraska.org