A Q&A with Kristen Schneider Boerger and Morgan Bertram on service, leadership, and advancing The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation.
The 2026 Foundation Chairs, Kristen Schneider Boerger and Morgan Bertram, bring deep personal conviction and years of service to The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation. In this Q&A, they share what inspired them to join, why they stepped into leadership, and what they hope to accomplish in the year ahead.
How long have you each been serving on the board?
Kristen: I have served on the Board for ten years – a decade that has flown by.
Morgan: I joined the Foundation in 2018 after going to the Old Havana Nights Red & White Ball.
What inspired you to join?
Kristen: The mission of the Blood & Tissue Center Foundation is profoundly meaningful, as it demonstrates how a single, selfless act – donating blood – can quite literally save lives. My initial inspiration to join the Board was rooted in personal experience. My grandmother was the recipient of blood transfusions during her treatment for leukemia, and I witnessed firsthand how those donations gave her the gift of additional quality time with our family. Words cannot express my gratitude that she was able to receive the blood she needed and share those precious moments with our family. At the same time, I recognize that the blood supply remains critically strained. This awareness compelled me to join and remain on the Board for the last decade, advocating for the importance of blood donations to help ensure that other families have access to this lifesaving resource when they need it most.
Morgan: My number one inspiration was seeing my Grandma’s cancer journey. She battled ovarian cancer and blood donations helped her be strong enough to go through her treatments and fight as long as she did. We got to keep her for as long as we did because of blood donations. I understand how devastating cancer can be. When I lived in Kansas City years ago, I knew a family who had a daughter who had a rare bone cancer. She passed away her sophomore year of college because there was no blood available in the area of Missouri where she lived. I met her and knew her family. She lost her battle with cancer, which she fought so hard against, because of a lack of blood.
What inspired you to take on leadership roles and what other roles have you served in?
Kristen: Leadership has long been a guiding force in my professional life and my volunteer service on the Board. To me, leadership is about service – uplifting others, fostering collaboration, and advancing a mission greater than oneself. I previously co-chaired the Red & White Ball in 2024 with Erin Nichols-Shulz and have had the opportunity to lead and support several communities along the way. This year, I am honored to co-chair the Foundation Board alongside Morgan, building upon the strong foundation and momentum established by exceptional leaders before us. It is a privilege to carry that legacy forward as we prepare to lead in 2026.
Morgan: I get into leadership roles when I believe in the mission. At the Foundation, we’re helping save lives through blood and tissue donations. I see the work that’s being done and the amazing things that we can do in a community. I feel such a strong, compelling need to help lead our group in raising awareness and encouraging people to donate blood and money when they can. I’ve also served as the president of the Rotary Club of San Antonio Pearl, and am the network leader for the University of Kansas Alumni Association network in San Antonio.
What is one thing about our organization that you feel most passionately about?
Kristen: This organization is a true trailblazer in healthcare innovation, making an impact not only locally but on an international scale. I am continually inspired that some of the world’s leading research and therapies – particularly those transforming cancer care – are happening right here in San Antonio. As the science accelerates, the next critical phase is ensuring broader access to these lifesaving therapies. Volunteering for an organization that is advancing both innovation and access is incredibly meaningful, and it is truly an exciting time to contribute to this mission.
Morgan: When someone goes on a tour and they see the empty shelves in hospital services, they realize that this is a real need. Everybody we know has been touched by someone needing a blood donation at some point in their life. As an organization, we can really appeal to a broad range of people. It could be somebody who has time to make a blood donation, or someone who can donate funds. Whether it’s rolling up your sleeve, making a financial contribution, or helping us raise awareness, there’s a way for anybody to get involved.
What is your dream goal for 2026?
Kristen: My dream goal is simply to build upon the strong momentum established by prior Board Chairs and continue advancing our commitment to serving the community. This year will focus on deepening meaningful connections, surpassing our fundraising goals, and educating and inspiring others to become part of a lifesaving mission. I am eager and honored to begin this important work alongside my co-chair Morgan.
Morgan: We’ve accomplished so much in the last few years as a board. I’d like to see us continue the trajectory we’re on and continue to help serve the community in the best way possible. I think we’re on the horizon of some really great things.
