Pamela R. Berneking

Berneking was named to the MRIGlobal Board of Directors in 2018 and named Chairman of the Board in 2023. Before retiring from CommunityAmerica Credit Union in 2020, she was responsible for building and leading the credit union’s boutique commercial banking division, delivering comprehensive banking solutions to business and investors throughout the Kansas City area. Berneking established a successful commercial banking line of business, unique among credit unions nationwide, implementing best-in-class practices in areas of client acquisition, credit and operations, products and services, lending, and treasury management.

She is a seasoned banking veteran, having served the industry for more than 35 years. Her career includes leadership roles in environments ranging from community banks to larger regional banks, with expertise in commercial lending and regulation. In 2010, Ms. Berneking was the founding Chief Executive Officer of Alterra Bank in Kansas City, a high-growth commercial bank focused on the region’s small business community. Ms. Berneking led Alterra from its formation and initial capital raise to the strategic sale of the company in 2014.

Berneking has been extensively involved in civic and philanthropic activities. She has held leadership roles on the boards of the American Heart Association Midwest Affiliate, the Economic Club of Kansas City, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Kansas City Area Development Council, and Park University. She also serves on the Advisory Council for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University. She is a Kansas City Business Journal ‘Women Who Mean Business’ honoree. She is an angel investor and part of the Women’s Capital Connection, where she focuses on early stage companies led by women.

She received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and her master’s degree from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.