Erica Bergfeld-Reed
Going Beyond 2025: Erica Bergfeld-Reed
Erica Bergfeld-Reed, AVP, corporate finance strategy and program manager, named the employee winner of the 2025 Scotty McIntyre Jr. Go Beyond Award.
This award honors the legacy of former UFG leader (and son of our company’s founder) Scotty McIntyre Jr., who engrained within our corporate culture the importance of giving back. In that spirit, UFG is honored to make a $5,000 contribution to Especially for You in recognition of Erica’s commitment to community service.
Hear nominator Robert Rathje, human resources program manager at UFG Insurance, share why he was so inspired to nominate Erica and watch the surprising moment Erica learned she’d won the award.
Starting a new chapter
When Erica first moved to Cedar Rapids she was eager to dig in, meet people and get connected to the community. Volunteering opened her eyes to the needs of this community, and she soon discovered ways to help people in many ways.
A profound commitment to community
She has served in several leadership roles for Junior League of Cedar Rapids, most recently as sustainer co-chair. She has also served as advisory board president, executive program chair and board member for Leadership for Five Seasons (LFS); as well as a board member for YPN and the Variety Club of East Central Iowa. She’s currently serving as vice chair for the Cedar Valley Humane Society (CVHS) board of directors, vice chair of United Way of East Central Iowa’s Women United committee and serves as co-chair of UFG’s United Way campaign effort.
“These incredible organizations are doing so much for our communities, and it feels like an honor and a privilege that I’m able to give my time, talents and treasures in the best way to move them forward,” said Erica. “Whether that’s serving in a board role, having a voice or rolling up my sleeves and volunteering with them — it’s allowed me to diversify my actions with them and really give back in a meaningful way.”
She plays a crucial role for CVHS by advocating for animal welfare and ensuring vulnerable animals receive the care and support they deserve. This includes her work for that organization’s capital campaign to fund an expansion of their adoption center.
Leading with heart
Erica’s United Way campaign leadership contributed to one of the strongest UFG campaign results in recent history. In 2024, Erica and her fellow United Way committee members received the UWECI Campaign Excellence award on behalf of UFG Insurance. In 2025, she helped inspire 219 generous employee donors, raising over $120,000 for the United Way — surpassing all goal expectations for the year.
“Her leadership and influence within UFG and the broader community build trust, as evidenced by the recognition of her campaign efforts,” says nominator Robert Rathje. “Erica’s actions not only enhance lives but also inspire others to follow her example, truly embodying the spirit of UFG.”
She also spent over 13 years in Junior League of Cedar Rapids helping drive impactful community projects, fostering community development and support for local needs. Helping others, making a difference and having an impact is what keeps her motivated to find the next thing.
UFG’s 2025 Go Beyond Award employee recipient, Erica Bergfeld-Reed
2025 Go Beyond recipient Erica Bergfeld-Reed stands next to Robert Rathje, who nominated her for the award.
Full of gratitude
Erica says she’s been impressed since day one by UFG’s service philosophy and 16 hours of community service for all employees. She feels UFG leaders have encouraged her to use those hours to give back to the organizations she cares deeply about. And to have won the Go Beyond award was simply the cherry on top.
“Winning this award is incredibly humbling,” says Erica. “I’m beyond honored. I feel like the past winners have done incredible things and to know my name is with them is something I will carry with me and continues to motivate me to do the best that I can to help people in our community.”
Do you know a UFG agent or employee to nominate?
Nominations are accepted from January 1 through June 30 each calendar year.