Kern EDC announces new officers and board members

Kern Economic Development Corporation (Kern EDC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating and promoting Kern County's boundless opportunities for business, proudly announces the election of new officers and board members.

The newly elected Board officers are as follows:

Chair: Andy Stanley, Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, Bank of America: "For 36 years, Kern EDC has been the leading organization to attract and retain businesses across our diverse local economy. Our talented staff and committed board of directors stand ready to meet the challenges ahead so that we may prosper for decades to come. It is a great honor to serve as Chairman and I look forward to partnering with all of those who want to help Kern County be the best place in California to do business."

Vice Chair: Suzanne Noble, Senior Director, Production Operations, Western States Petroleum Association: "It is a privilege to serve in this role with Kern EDC, one of the best public-private partnerships in the region. Our industry appreciates Kern EDC's support and recognition of the critical role that local oil production plays in all of our lives as we work together to promote economic prosperity in Kern County."

Immediate Past Chair: Dana Brennan, Vice President, External Affairs & Corporate Responsibility, Grimmway Farms: "Serving as Kern EDC's Board Chair for the last two years has been an incredible honor. Championing the work of KEDC and overall economic development efforts in Kern County has long been the role of the Board of Directors. This board is filled with leaders, innovators and visionaries laser-focused on ensuring all industries are successful in Kern County. I wish them great success as they work together to further KEDC's mission."

Five newly elected Board members are as follows:

• Jeannie Bertolaccini, Principal, Ordiz-Melby Architects.

• Dr. Steven Bloomberg, Chancellor, Kern Community College District.

• Darin Blunt, Senior Vice President, AgWest Farm Credit.

• Mia Cifuentes, Senior Public Affairs Specialist, Berry Corporation.

• Greg Garrett, City Manager, City of Tehachapi.

• Cal Rossi, Government Relations Manager, Southern California Edison.

[Editor's note: Greg Garrett had this to say about his recent appointment to the board: "I was honored to be asked to be apart of this organization that the City of Tehachapi has supported throughout the years. The Kern EDC has worked very hard at keeping East Kern communities in its focus and I am looking forward to continuing to shine a light on all the industries that make this region an important part of the Kern County and California economy," said Greg Garrett.]