The McKinney Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Jared Berger as the 2026 recipient of the Buzz Kolbe Leadership McKinney Scholarship, recognizing leadership potential, community commitment, and the servant leadership values exemplified by William “Buzz” Kolbe.
Established by Leadership McKinney Alumni, the scholarship honors Buzz Kolbe, a longtime Leadership McKinney facilitator whose passion for mentorship, personal growth, and servant leadership helped shape generations of leaders in the McKinney community. Each year, the scholarship seeks to recognize a Leadership McKinney participant who reflects those values and will carry Buzz’s legacy forward through their own leadership and service.
Berger is co-owner and founder of The Comedy Arena in downtown McKinney, where he serves as Marketing, Artistic and Education Director. Since 2017, he has helped grow McKinney’s live entertainment and performing arts community while creating opportunities for connection through comedy and improvisation. His community involvement also includes producing fundraising comedy events, supporting McKinney Performing Arts Center events, and mentoring students and performers through The Comedy Arena Training Center.
At the heart of Berger’s approach to leadership is a principle borrowed from improv: “Make your scene partner look good.”
For Berger, that means listening, supporting others, and creating an environment where people have the confidence to contribute — a philosophy that closely reflects the mentorship and servant leadership at the heart of Buzz Kolbe’s legacy.
“Jared brings a unique perspective to Leadership McKinney because so much of his work is centered around creating connection,” said Barb Delk, Leadership McKinney Class Facilitator. “We’re excited to see how he brings his strengths to this year’s class and how Leadership McKinney will help him expand his impact in our community.”
Berger hopes his Leadership McKinney experience will deepen his understanding of McKinney beyond the arts and build relationships with leaders across sectors. He plans to use that experience to expand his civic involvement and help strengthen the connection and community that make McKinney unique as the city continues to grow.
Last year’s inaugural scholarship recipient, Beth Beck, welcomed Berger as the second recipient of the award.
“Buzz Kolbe is legendary in leadership circles in North Texas. He shaped leaders through compassion, empathetic mentorship, and servant leadership,” Beck said. “I’m extremely honored to represent him as the first Buzz Kolbe Scholarship recipient and to continue his legacy. I look forward to serving alongside Jared and future scholarship recipients.”
As Berger begins his Leadership McKinney journey with the Class of 2027, he becomes part of a growing legacy — honoring Buzz by developing as a leader, investing in others, and serving the McKinney community.
