Here at JDRF, we are reminded daily of the challenge we face to see a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) in our lifetime. Our efforts to support T1D research through fundraising takes an army! Well, every army has its rank and file, its captains and generals. One such “captain” is our San Francisco Board President Ross Berger. When asked what a cure for T1D would mean, Ross says, “Freedom and a peace of mind for all those associated with T1D.”

As the San Francisco Board President, he leads a team of volunteers with a common goal to find that cure. He firmly believes our work serves both economic and non-economic goals for JDRF. Research costs money, and Ross feels that in this current environment of economic and political uncertainty, JDRF has to work even harder to raise funds and to grow awareness about T1D. Ross has friends that live with T1D and he’s seen the challenges they face on a daily basis. “The more involved I become with JDRF, the more compelled I feel to help.” He can also see the bigger picture when it comes to T1D research. “A scientific breakthrough in autoimmune disease research [for T1D] will lead to a cure for many other autoimmune diseases.”

As a managing director of Corporate Principal Investing within Well Fargo Securities here in San Francisco, Ross oversees $10 billion of investments in corporate credit. He has been with Wells Fargo since 2002, so when talking about fundraising for JDRF, he know his stuff! But he’s also a family man. “My children and my wife are my motivators.” And his desire to volunteer is illustrated by one of his personal favorite quotes by Winston Churchill: “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”

The JDRF Greater Bay Area Chapter is better off with key volunteers like Ross. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the chapter staff, Ross is making a profound difference in our mission to find a cure. “I hope to continue the San Francisco Branch board’s history as a growing contributor to the cause, to engage our community around us, and to spread awareness of both T1D and JDRF’s mission.”

Well said, Ross!