Chamber Launches the 39th Annual Professional Development Initiative
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber proudly announced the Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2026, marking the launch of the program’s 39th year as the region’s premier professional development and civic leadership initiative. The 10-month Leadership Bakersfield program officially began on Thursday, Jan. 8, and will conclude with a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 5. This year’s cohort includes 30 professionals representing a wide range of industries, all committed to strengthening Kern County through informed leadership, collaboration, and service.
Photos by Lettratto.
In conjunction with the new class, the Chamber introduced Christina Springstead as the 2026 Leadership Bakersfield Outsourced Program Director.
Springstead is a Leadership Bakersfield alumna (Class of 2018) and previously served as Chair of the Class of 2023. She is the founder of Springstead Solutions, a strategic financial consulting firm that helps organizations transform financial management into a tool for sustainable growth. Her deep connection to the program, combined with her professional expertise, positions her to guide the Class of 2026 with both vision and purpose.
“Leadership Bakersfield empowers professionals to grow as leaders while making a tangible difference in our community,” said Janelle Capra, President and CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. “By fostering collaboration and deepening participants’ understanding of our region’s opportunities and challenges, this program equips them to become champions for Bakersfield’s future.”
The program curriculum features monthly, immersive sessions focused on key sectors and community issues, including leadership development, energy, arts and culture, education, health and human services, government, law enforcement, agriculture, and more. Participants gain direct access to community leaders and industry experts, build lasting relationships, and collaborate on group projects that address real local needs.
“Serving as Outsourced Program Director is not part of my traditional consulting work, but Leadership Bakersfield has always held a special place in my heart,” said Springstead.
“My history with the program, my love for this community, and my passion for developing strong, thoughtful leaders make this work deeply meaningful. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back in a way that aligns so closely with my purpose.”
Springstead will be supported by 2026 Council Chair Josh Sharp of Dignity Health, Cory Rothman, Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Council Lead, and Joel Paramo, Senior Director of Strategic Communications at the Greater Bakersfield Chamber.
Since its inception, Leadership Bakersfield has graduated nearly 1,000 alumni, many of whom now serve in leadership roles across business, government, and nonprofit sectors throughout Kern County.
Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2026
- Justin Ader – California Water Service
- Vanessa Aguilar – Berry Corporation
- Alexandra Campos – Kern Medical Foundation
- Edith Cazares – Mission Bank
- Clayton Cox – California Water Service
- Anita Cruz – Kern County Superintendent of Schools
- Mike Cushman – ARRC Technology
- Kari Disque – Flood Ministries
- Vanessa Enriquez – Adventist Health
- Nayeli Franco – City of Bakersfield
- Joe Garcia – Tri Counties Bank
- Ehsan Ghanizadeh – Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
- Ross Hoffmann – Hoffmann Hospice
- Elizabeth Huerta – Links for Life
- Michelle Klawitter – A-C Electric
- Autumn Layton – Garden Pathways
- Crystal Martinez – The Open Door Network
- Andrea Medina – California State University, Bakersfield
- Rafael Molina – California Water Service
- Ryan Nelson – Berry Corporation
- Rachel Nettleton – Kern County Farm Bureau
- Jaritza Nunez – City of Bakersfield
- Angelica Ocampo – Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
- Sindhuja Pavuluru – Sunshine Behavioral Health
- David Perkins – Greet Seven Oaks
- Jose Rocha – Berry Corporation
- Julie Slaughter – Kern River Golf Course
- Fred Walkover – Crescendo Coaching Group, LLC
- Bryan Wooster – TopFlight MSP
- Alexander Zahn – Empire Management Group
For more information about Leadership Bakersfield or how to get involved, visit bakochamber.com or contact the Chamber at programs@bakochamber.com.