March is Women’s History Month. Throughout the month, the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville is highlighting the women who have displayed immense leadership, created a lasting legacy, and contributed towards the Council’s success. Their contributions have been integral to the growth and influence of the Council. Today, we highlight Amy Margerum Berg, a visionary leader whose dedication and direction have shaped institutions, communities, and global conversations.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Amy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She completed a master’s degree in marine policy, with a minor in business administration, at the University of Washington. She was also the recipient of the prestigious Jessie Smith Noyes and McKernan Fellowships. Amy now resides in Ponte Vedra, Florida, with her husband, Gilchrist Berg, founder of the local investment firm, Water Street Capital.
Over the course of her distinguished career, Amy has led several organizations in the public and private sectors. Currently, Amy serves as the Board Chair of the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville, where her leadership has been and continues to be vital to the organization’s growth and success. As Board Chair, Amy oversees the Council’s strategic direction, ensuring its mission to promote international awareness and dialogue remains strong and impactful. Under her leadership, the Council has grown to 900+ members, expanded partnerships, and delivered exceptional speakers such as Madeline Albright, Walter Isaacson, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Ken Burns, and Lynn Novick. Amy’s ability to navigate complex organizational challenges and drive strategic change has been essential in weaving the Council into the educational and civic fabric of Northeast Florida.
Beyond her leadership with the Council, Amy is also the President Emerita of the Better Angels Society, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and preserving the work of documentarian Ken Burns and other like-minded filmmakers. Before her work at the Better Angels Society, Amy served as Executive Vice President of Operations at the Aspen Institute for 16 years. There, she played an instrumental role in expanding the Institute’s operations, guiding its growth from a $50 million budget with 150 employees to a $260 million operation with over 360 staff members.
Amy’s leadership also extends to her public service work. She was the city manager of Aspen, Colorado, from 1991 to 2000, where she led the city through a financial recovery and implemented an innovative performance-based management system. Additionally, as Secretary of the Colorado Association of Ski Towns, she transformed the organization into a powerful lobbying force in the state.
Amy’s career is a remarkable testament to leadership, service, and vision. Her work in government, nonprofit, and civic engagement has left an indelible mark, and her presence continues to inspire and shape the trajectory of the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor her contributions and the profound impact she continues to make on the organizations and communities she serves.
