John M. Berst

Plainfield High School Class of 1959

Business and Commerce & Community Service and Volunteerism

Mr. John Berst is the president and CEO of Components Express, Inc., an international computer cable manufacturer headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois. He is nominated in the Business and Commerce, Community Service and Volunteerism and Philanthropy and Non-Profit Service categories.

Berst lost his left leg below the knee in 1962 to bone cancer. From 1970-90, he regularly visited with young cancer patients and their families to support them as they dealt with amputation.

Since 1993, he has sat on the Board of Directors for the Barr Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps amputees with prosthetic rehabilitation.

He and his family also host a special event each year for physically and mentally handicapped adults at their home in Portage, Wisconsin.