Bakersfield, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2023) – The Greater Bakersfield Chamber today hosted its Annual Board Installation & Awards Luncheon, where they inducted the President/CEO of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital – Dignity Health, Ken Keller as Chairman of the Board. The Chamber also presented awards for Volunteer of the Year, Councilmember, Chamber Champion and Community Partner of the Year.
“I’m honored to serve our local business community as the 2023 Chairman of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber,” said Keller. “I know how important it is for our members to have a healthy business climate, and I know the collective power the Chamber’s role can play in making that happen. I’m honored to be appointed by my peers to lead us forward this year.”
The Chamber serves as Bakersfield’s biggest booster, a convener of leaders and a catalyst for positive change. Keller’s ongoing commitment to engaging the community makes him uniquely qualified to help move the Chamber and city forward.
“I’m delighted to have such an experienced and well-connected leader as our Board Chair,” said Nick Ortiz, the Chamber’s President and CEO. “I’m excited to see how Ken’s diverse and deep connections to our community will help guide the Chamber.”
In addition to the Chamber’s Board, Keller also currently serves as a member of the American Heart Association Board of Directors for Kern County and the Ronald McDonald House Board of Trustees. He also serves on advisory groups for several State Hospital Associations and Departments of Insurance.
During the luncheon, the Chamber also presented annual awards to the following individuals and organizations:
- Martin Guerrero received the Volunteer of the Year award. Guerrero is the owner of Hacienda Guerrero Catering, a local veteran-family-owned business
- Bank of America was recognized as the Chamber Champion
- The City of Bakersfield was recognized as the Community Partner of the Year
- Amanda Frank was recognized as the Councilmember of the Year. Frank is the director of special projects at Kern County Superintendent of Schools
The Annual Board Installation & Awards Luncheon was held at Seven Oaks Country Club in southwest Bakersfield. Approximately 375 people attended the event.
This year’s platinum sponsor was Dignity Health Bakersfield.
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ABOUT THE GREATER BAKERSFIELD CHAMBER
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber is the region’s leading business membership, networking and advocacy organization, representing the interests of more than 1,100 members and more than 70,000 local jobs. Since 1920, the Chamber has focused on creating a thriving local economy and improving the quality of life for every resident of Greater Bakersfield. The Chamber promotes economic vitality, facilitates networking and business development opportunities, and advocates for public policies that support quality jobs and inclusive growth, guiding Bakersfield towards a better and brighter future.
CONTACT: Joel Paramo, joel@heysalty.com, call: 661-438-1034