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The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce

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.

Chairman of the Board Message

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.

 

Ken Keller

President & CEO of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital – Dignity Health

2023 Executive Board of Directors

Chairman of the Board

Ken Keller

Bakersfield MemorialHospital – Dignity Health
Incoming Chairman

Rob Duchow

Southern CaliforniaGas Company

Board Members

Dr. Mary Barlow

Kern County
Superintendent of Schools

Mark Bateman

Young
Wooldridge LLP

Deanna Blaise

Valley Strong
Credit Union

Bruce Davis

Bolthouse Properties

Octavio Escobedo

Tejon Indian Tribe

Kamal Gill

Brimhall Pharmacy/ Panama Pharmacy

Maybelle Liquigan

Kaiser Permanente

Denise Newton

PG&E

Jacob Panero

Varner Bros, Inc.

Veronica Placencia

KERO-TV

G Riar

Riar, Inc.

Willie Rivera

Aera Energy

Staff​

Hillary Haenes

Interim President/CEO

Concepcion "Cepi" Willingham

Member & Business Development Manager

Kami Gonzalez

Director, Administration & Operations

Savanah Adams

Manager, Stakeholder Engagement

Valerie Sheldon

Administrative Assistant