Frank Kartmann and John May Join The BRDG Park Board

The Bio-Research & Development Growth (BRDG) Park, a leading research park focused on agriculture, food, and renewable fuels innovation, announced Frank Kartmann, president of Missouri American Water and John May, managing director of Stern Brothers & Co., were appointed to the company’s board of directors, expanding the board’s size to 10 members. 

“Frank and John bring a wealth of experience and critical perspective as national leaders in the fields of energy and sustainability, as well as significant achievements in their fields of expertise,” said Sam Fiorello, President of BRDG Park. “Each of these highly qualified individuals will be invaluable as we continue to build a strong and growing organization."

Kartmann currently serves as president of Missouri American Water, public water service provider located in St. Louis, MO., which provides water and waste water treatment and testing, as well as delivery. He is responsible for overseeing the operation of ten districts encompassing 20 water systems and two operating districts covering 50 wastewater systems.   These systems generated $243 million in revenue in 2011 and are supported by a capital budget that ranges from $70 to $110 million annually.

Mr. Kartmann earned a master's in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri, Rolla. He also earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education from the University of Illinois. He is a registered professional engineer, licensed in the state of Missouri. 

John May, in his role as managing director of Stern Brothers & Co., is responsible for developing and growing the Firm’s Renewable Energy Practice. He has utilized his 15-year banking career to become one the top renewable energy bankers in the country.  May has established a national practice in renewable energy finance focusing on biofuels, biomass and coal gasification.  As the pioneer in the use of State guarantees of debt for biofuels financings, he was able to secure a $15 million full faith and credit guarantee from the State of Illinois for a biodiesel project. 

Prior to beginning his investment banking career, May practiced law at two national firms in Kansas City and Dallas.  He received his J.D. and M.B.A. (with Concentration in Finance) degrees from the University of Kansas, and his B.A. with Honors Cum Laude from Brown University.

The BRDG Park’s 2013 Board of Directors includes the following: Vicki Gonzalez, Nidus Partners, Jacqueline Davis-Wellington, St. Louis County Economic Council, Jim Berens, Wexford Science & Technology LLC, Harold R. Burroughs, Bryan Cave LLP, Denny Coleman, St. Louis County Economic Council, Sam Fiorello, BRDG Park & Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Jack Oliver, Bryan Cave LLP & Barclays Capital, Richard Roloff, Washington University, John May, Stern Brothers & Co. and Frank Kartmann, Missouri American Water.