Our people-powered mission of children’s book ownership is growing stronger every day, led by our passionate team of changemakers — and we’re just getting started.
Every day that goes by without empowering book ownership for children fuels the literacy crisis. That’s why forward motion at full speed is our chosen pace.
Founded by Brian Floriani, Bernie’s Book Bank was inspired by his father, Dr. Bernard P. Floriani, who, never without a book, read his way to a better life. His sudden death in 2005 moved Brian to start Bernie’s Book Bank out of his garage in 2009. It was here where we began sourcing and redistributing books to local children, seeing each child as a “little Bernie.”
Brian served as Executive Director of Bernie’s Book Bank until 2018 when he transitioned into the role of Chief Advancement Officer. In his current role, he builds Bernie’s Book Bank by cultivating strategic relationships with partners across all industries.
As Executive Director of Chicagoland, Kristen leads a dedicated team of 30 employees. She oversees development and operations to deliver free, high-quality books to 300,000 local children each year, supported by more than 17,700 local volunteers.
Before joining Bernie’s Book Bank, Kristen served as Senior Director of External Relations at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, where she led fundraising, communications, alumni relations, and board management. She has also held leadership roles at several Chicagoland non-profits, including Clearbrook, the YMCA, and the national nonprofits, the American Heart Association and USA Swimming Foundation.
Prior to joining Bernie’s Book Bank, Jenna worked with development teams at Milwaukee Film, Radio Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra working in fundraising and partnerships. She also led one of the community’s largest charity galas with Harley-Davidson and the Muscular Dystrophy Association for four years.
A proud University of Iowa graduate and Milwaukee native, she understands the educational needs of the local community and has even written two books about her beloved hometown: “100 Things To Do in Milwaukee Before You Die” and “Milwaukee Scavenger,” both published by Reedy Press.
Now, as Executive Director of Greater Milwaukee, she’s putting her passion for service, relationships, and literacy into action, expanding the capacity of the organization and overseeing the delivery of free, high-quality books to more than 60 distribution partners and 20,000 local children, and growing.
Amy comes to us from United Way Suncoast where she served as Vice President of Corporate Philanthropy, overseeing workplace campaigns, corporate development, and fundraising strategy. Prior to her impactful work in philanthropy, Amy spent a decade teaching high school Astronomy and Earth Science in the Suncoast area.
As a resident of Sarasota County, Amy is proud to bring the mission of Bernie’s Book Bank to her hometown, spearheading our Florida Suncoast Chapter with a goal to serve an estimated 340,000+ qualifying children in the Suncoast.
Our National Board brings together a passionate group of leaders with diverse experiences and backgrounds, united by our mission to advance children’s literacy and empower future readers and leaders.
President & CEO of Reed Construction
Co-Founder & Integrator at BuildYourOrg
Chief Operating Officer at GEM Realty Capital Inc
Former Corporate Finance Executive at SRAM LLC
Chief Financial Officer, Aeris
Partner at Cooley LLP
Partner at JM Search
Senior Executive and P&L Owner
Former Preschool Services Librarian at Glenview Public Library
Chief Executive Officer at MSI Data
Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Cotality
Co-Founder/CEO of Identifyn, retired executive at GE & Ingersoll Rand
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