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Candidate for RTM
District 8
Kerry Berchem
● 23-year Fairfield resident
● Partner with the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
● Advises on M&A, capital markets transactions, and corporate governance matters
● Chair of Akin’s corporate practice from 2008-2018
● Co-leader of the firm’s corporate governance and shareholder activism group, co-leader
of the firm’s ESG group, and member of the firm’s management committee
● RTM District 8 Representative; Legislation & Administrative Committee member and
secretary, 2017-2019
● Awards: Crain's Notable Women in the Law (2021), The Deal Top Women
Dealmakers/Activism (2021), Euromoney Corporate Governance Lawyer of the Year Finalist (2021), Chambers USA leading lawyer in corporate/M&A (2006-2021), New York Law Journal, New York Trailblazers (2018)
● Author of several articles and blogs relating to #metoo in M&A, ESG, securities, and corporate governance matters
● Fundraiser, Bridgeport Hospital Foundation
● Fairfield University, St. Ignatius Leadership Residential College Mentor (2019-present)
● Hamilton College Parent Leadership Council Member (2017- present)
● BA, History, Yale College; JD, Tulane
● Married to Craig Goos, mother of Carson, Ryan, and Matthew
PRIORITIES
My desire is to have a positive impact on Fairfield, which I have called home for 23 years.
I first ran for the RTM in 2017, following the first of several politically divisive years. I had hoped that local politics would differ from federal politics. Regrettably, that proved not to be the case. However, notwithstanding my initial, somewhat frustrating political experience, I continue to be a believer in building consensus. Indeed, the successes I have achieved in my life have been predicated upon my ability to bridge divides and get things done through the sharing of ideas, open communication, and fair & just compromise. I am confident that, if elected, my skill set and core values will benefit both the RTM and our community, as a whole. I am committed to the economic, social and cultural growth of Fairfield, which, to me, means adapting to the challenges that are known to us and being prepared and willing to pivot to address those that have yet to arise.