About Us

I appreciate the amazing support of the Kern County business community as I assume the role of Chairman of the Board of the Chamber. 

I’d like to thank my predecessor, Rick Jhaj, for his incredible term as the 2022 Chairman. Under Rick’s leadership the Chamber championed bold policies, focused on building membership, providing support to small business owners, and fearlessly engaging in the political realm. For 2023, I want to continue Rick’s work of growing the Chamber’s membership and support for our business community. I know the team at the Chamber is committed to these goals. I also want to thank all of those who enable me to serve – my colleagues at Dignity Health; my fellow board member of the Chamber; all of the skilled council and committee chairs and vice chairs; and finally my family. At Dignity Health, we’re focused on caring both for our patients and our community. That’s why organizations like the Chamber are so important. They provide the connective tissue that allows businesspeople and community leaders, like those in this room, to improve and promote our community. 

Bakersfield is a special place, a large city that feels extraordinarily connected, a diverse community that is committed to working together and solving problems. I’m excited for the opportunities ahead – for the Chamber, the region and your businesses – and I hope that in 2023 The Sound of Something Better sounds a lot like Human Kindness.