During his tenure, Jim has been a steadfast steward of CFT’s financial health and a strategic leader whose contributions have helped position the foundation for long-term sustainability and impact.
“Jim leaves behind a legacy of excellence, reliability, and foresight,” said Wayne White, CFT President & CEO. “We’re grateful for his contributions and the firm foundation that has been laid for our future that positions us for continued growth and excellence.”
Under his leadership, CFT has seen significant financial and operational advancements, including:
- Strengthened financial sustainability through improved long-term planning, responsible cost containment, and enhanced investment performance.
- Improved financial controls, consolidation of financial activities across departments, and a balanced budget.
- Vision for CFT’s digital transformation — including the organization-wide implementation of Salesforce and NetSuite.
- Implementation of a cash optimization process that increases financial agility and enables additional responsive investments in priority areas and strategic initiatives.
- Enhanced financial reporting and robust compliance procedures that manage organizational risk and support transparency, strong governance, and decision-making across the organization.
“I’ve long admired the impact CFT has had in the community—even before I joined the team,” said Jim Berry. “It has been a career highlight to serve as the financial executive at CFT, one of the largest community foundations in the nation. As I look to my next chapter and retirement, I remain deeply committed to CFT’s mission. I am energized by the organization’s continued growth and am confident in the team of leaders that is in place.”
About Jim’s Career and Leadership
Jim has extensive expertise in business development, strategic and financial planning, change management, and risk oversight. Before joining CFT, he spent over three decades working in finance, administration, IT and strategy in the real estate, restaurant and hospitality, media, and staffing industries.
Jim was the CFO for global real estate developer Harwood International, a company that is well-known locally for transforming the Uptown Dallas neighborhood. While at Harwood International, he was responsible for planning, managing, and controlling all financial-related activities for the company and participating in business development efforts.
Jim has also served as CFO of Snelling and Vasari LLC and held leadership roles at Belo Corporation, Burger King, and McDonald’s.
A Certified Public Accountant, Jim began his career in the assurance practices of global accountancies PricewaterhouseCoopers and Grant Thornton.
Looking Ahead: CFT’s Financial Leadership Structure
At this time, CFT will not immediately launch a search to fill the CFO role. Many of Jim’s responsibilities are being transitioned to long-time CFT leader, Kristine Thomas. Kris has been with CFT for 26 years and has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Finance. Kris has worked closely with Jim during his tenure and will join CFT’s executive leadership team in her expanded role.
Reporting directly to the President and CEO, she will provide continued leadership of CFT’s financial operations to ensure stability and continuity during the transition. Included in Kris’ expanded team going forward will be CFT’s Accounting department, led by Leigh Schaefers, Chief Accounting Officer, who has been with CFT for more than a decade.
CFT’s investment management team, led by Gary Samberson, Chief Investment Officer, will now report directly to the President and CEO to ensure continued alignment with CFT’s long-term strategic and philanthropic goals.
Oversight of CFT’s facilities and events team, led by Elspeth Nelson, will transition to Truman Greene, Chief Human Resources Officer, who will integrate this function into CFT’s broader people and workplace operations.
CFT’s staff, partners, and stakeholders are deeply grateful for the legacy Jim leaves after nearly four impactful years of strengthening the organization and advancing its vision of thriving communities for all.
Please join us in thanking Jim for his excellence and stewardship during his tenure.
