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The Greater Bakersfield Chamber

With over 100 years of experience, we know how hard it can be to start and grow a business. That is why we offer resources and support to businesses all over Bakersfield, and we plan to do so for many years to come.

The Chamber is Bakersfield’s number one business advocate and resource center. Our work is devoted to helping you “build something better” – a better business, a better career, a better community.

History

The Greater Bakersfield Chamber was formed in 1920 as a non-profit organization. It is our mission to put the needs of our business community first to help Build a Better Bakersfield.

Deanna Blaise
SVP, Chief Business Officer
Valley Strong Credit Union

Chairman of the Board Message

It is with great enthusiasm and honor that I step into the role of Chair for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. I am deeply inspired by the vibrant business community that makes Bakersfield such a dynamic and forward-thinking place to live, work, and grow. 

For more than a century, the Chamber has been a cornerstone of collaboration, innovation, and opportunity, and I am excited to build on this legacy. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem where businesses of all sizes succeed, contribute to the local economy, and elevate the quality of life for everyone in our community. 

As we embark on this new chapter, my vision with the Board is centered on fostering stronger connections, advocating for government policies that benefit our businesses, and promoting initiatives that position Bakersfield as a hub of growth and prosperity. 

To achieve this, we need your energy, ideas, and active participation. 

This is your Chamber, and your voice matters! Whether you are a seasoned business owner, a budding entrepreneur, or a dedicated community partner, your involvement is key to shaping the future of Bakersfield. 

I encourage you to attend events, join committees, mentor others, and explore the numerous resources the Chamber offers to support your success. Let us work together to celebrate our successes, tackle challenges head-on, and pave the way for even greater achievements. I invite you to take part in making Bakersfield a place where businesses flourish and where our shared pride in this community continues to grow. 

Thank you for trusting me with this opportunity to serve. I am thrilled to partner with all of you in driving positive energy and meaningful progress. Here’s to a successful and impactful 2025! 

Chairman’s Circle

Chamber Staff

Janelle Capra

President & CEO

Kami Gonzalez

Vice President, Members & Programs

Joel Paramo

Senior Director, Strategic Communications

 

Lorrie Guinn-Magers

Director, Operations & HR

Savanah Adams

Senior Manager, Policy & Public Affairs

Kimberly Price

Manager, Community Events

Executive Committee

chair of the board

Deanna Blaise

Valley Strong Credit Union

Incoming Chair

Dr. Vernon Harper

California State University, Bakersfield

Immediate Past Chair

Rob Duchow

Southern California Gas Company

Treasurer

Emily Duran

Kern Health Systems 

Vice Chair, Public Policy & Political Action

Willie Rivera

Berry Corporation

Vice Chair, Economic Vitality

Octavio Escobedo III

Tejon Indian Tribe

Vice Chair, Leadership & Workforce Development

Ken Keller

Dignity Health, Mercy & Memorial Hospitals

Vice Chair, Member Engagement

Veronica Placencia,

KERO-TV 23

general counsel

Mark Bateman

Young Wooldridge, LLP

Board of Directors

Anibal Araya

California Resources Corporation

Lindsay Barnes

KGET-TV 17

Angela Barton

Barton Marketing Group

Patrick Beck

Bakersfield Hyundai

Nik Boone

Ascend Real Estate

Molly Busacca

Secure Systems

Lisa Carbajal

Cen Cal Business Finance Group

Melissa Frank

The Wonderful Company

Kamal Gill

Brimhall Pharmacy/Panama Pharmacy

Cherif Guirguis

LinQRide

DeAnna Lewis

Wingstop

Maybelle Liquigan

Kaiser Permanente

Jessica Pounds

Moo Creamery

Greg Race

PG&E

Austin Smith

Sage Equities

Erin Tenter

Bolthouse Properties

Raju Verma

RAMM Hospitality

Sherod Waite

Moneywise Wealth Management

Austin Smith

Sage Equities

Erin Tenter

Bolthouse Properties

Committee Council Chairs

Ambassador Committee Chair

Blade Griffin

Bakersfield Condors

BAKPAC Chair

Dana Brennan

Grimmway Farms

Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Chair

Kimberly Price

Greater Bakersfield Chamber

Bakersfield Young Professionals Chair

Joel Paramo

Greater Bakersfield Chamber

Government REview Council Chair

Amanda Frank

Kern County Superintendent of Schools 

Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Council Chair

Ryan Kroeker

Bakersfield Police Department

Beautiful Bakersfield Committee Chair

"T" Johnson

Bakersfield College Launchpad

Beautiful Bakersfield Committee Vice Chair

April McGill

April & Co. Photography