KERN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION NAMES AMY TRAVIS AS NEW PRESIDENT & CEO
KERN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION NAMES AMY TRAVIS AS NEW PRESIDENT & CEO
Proven Nonprofit Leader Brings a Legacy and Career of Community Impact to Kern County’s Premier Philanthropic Organization
Bakersfield, CA — May 18, 2026: Kern Community Foundation (KCF) is proud to announce the appointment of Amy Travis as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Travis brings a distinguished record of cross-sector leadership and a deep commitment to building systems that uplift communities and expand opportunity for all.
As Executive Director of First 5 Kern, a public agency of Kern County dedicated to the health, development, and early education of children from prenatal through age five, Travis led a strategic transformation to a data-driven, partnership-centered organization, maintained oversight of a multi-million-dollar annual budget, and initiated cross-sector partnerships to diversify long-term revenue. She also served as Executive Director of CASA of Kern County, where she led strategy and operations for the child advocacy nonprofit, cultivated community partnerships and donor engagement, and developed leadership frameworks to strengthen organizational culture and sustainability. Under her leadership, CASA launched its Clubhouse Visiting Center, became a recognized voice in state-level advocacy, and was nominated as Nonprofit of the Year by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce.
Travis’s career reflects a consistent commitment to collaborative systems, people development, and mission-centered impact across the public, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, an experience that translates directly to KCF’s mission of connecting donors with causes meaningful to them and growing philanthropy across Kern County.
She is currently completing doctoral research in strategic leadership at Regent University.
“Amy’s career speaks for itself. She is a proven leader who has dedicated herself to the people of Kern County,” said Justin Leland, Board Chair of Kern Community Foundation. “Her experience, vision, and deep roots in our community make her the ideal person to lead KCF into its next chapter.”
Travis steps into the role as KCF marks more than 25 years of service as a charitable resource for Kern County’s donors, nonprofits, and communities. The Foundation is home to over 200 charitable funds with assets exceeding $50 million and has awarded close to $30 million in grants and scholarships since its founding in 1999.
“I am honored and energized by the opportunity to serve Kern Community Foundation and this remarkable community,” said Travis. “KCF’s mission of growing community and growing philanthropy is one I believe in deeply, and I look forward to building on the incredible foundation that has been laid here.”
Travis assumes the role of President & CEO effective June 8, 2026.