The Chief Executive Officer serves as the senior executive leader and primary external representative of the Foundation. This role is principally focused on community leadership, donor and partner relationships, fund development, strategic direction, and board partnership. The CEO is responsible for advancing the Foundation’s mission, visibility, and long-term impact, while ensuring that internal operations are effectively led through delegated executive and management structures.
The CEO maintains accountability for organizational performance without being responsible for the Foundation’s day-to-day operational execution.
Reporting Relationship
The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board of Directors and provides leadership and direction to senior staff responsible for internal operations, programs, and administration.
Core Responsibilities
The CEO serves as the public face and chief spokesperson of the Foundation, representing the organization within the community and across philanthropic, civic, and professional networks. The role includes cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, professional advisors, nonprofit leaders, grantees, public officials, and other community stakeholders.
In partnership with the Board of Directors, the CEO leads organizational vision, strategy, and long-term planning. This includes aligning mission, resources, and priorities; supporting strong governance practices; and ensuring the Foundation remains responsive to evolving community needs.
The CEO leads philanthropic strategy and donor engagement, including participation in major gift, legacy giving, and donor-advised fund relationships. The role ensures donor intent is honored and translated into meaningful and measurable community outcomes.
The CEO provides executive oversight and accountability for the organization’s leadership team, setting expectations, priorities, and performance standards while delegating responsibility for internal operations, programs, and administrative functions. The CEO ensures that internal leadership has the authority, resources, and clarity necessary to execute effectively.
The CEO works with senior staff to monitor organizational performance, assess risk, and ensure financial stewardship and fiduciary responsibility, without direct involvement in routine operational management.
The CEO fosters a culture of integrity, collaboration, and excellence, ensuring that the Foundation’s values are reflected both internally and externally.
Education and Experience
The ideal candidate will possess a combination of education, leadership experience, and demonstrated success in organizational management, community engagement, and strategic growth.
Education
Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, finance, social sciences, or a related discipline. An advanced degree (MBA, MPA, MS, JD, or equivalent) is preferred.
Experience
Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior executive or comparable leadership role. Experience within nonprofit organizations, philanthropic institutions, community foundations, or mission-driven organizations is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success in:
Leading and developing high-performing teams
Strategic planning and organizational growth
Financial oversight, budgeting, and resource development
Building strong community and stakeholder relationships
Working effectively with a Board of Directors
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate brings demonstrated executive leadership experience in philanthropy, nonprofit management, or a closely related field. This individual is a trusted community presence with strong relationship-building and communication skills, a strategic and long-term orientation, and a deep commitment to ethical stewardship and community impact.
Bakersfield, CA — December 26, 2025: Kern Community Foundation (KCF) announces that Aaron Falk, President and CEO, will be stepping down as he prepares for his next chapter in South Carolina. The Board Chair, Lydia Chaney, thanks Aaron for his leadership and the difference he has made in Kern County through KCF’s programs and partnerships. “Aaron has done a wonderful job with the Foundation’s growth. While we are saddened to see him go, we wish Aaron and his family the absolute best in their upcoming chapter,” said Chaney.
Since December 2021, Aaron has strengthened KCF’s programs and built strong relationships with local nonprofits and donors. Through his leadership, the Foundation grew its scholarship program to over $1 million and increased Give Big Kern’s visibility, supporting over 120 local nonprofits and reaching $1.7 million in 2025. He also launched the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program in partnership with the City of Bakersfield, serving over 300 youths, and led Borel Fire disaster relief, granting over $180,000.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Board has appointed Fatima “Teems” Tulfo, the Foundation’s Chief Impact Officer, as Interim CEO. Tulfo will lead the Foundation and collaborate with the Board during the transition. Details about the search process will be shared in late winter.
About Kern Community Foundation Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a simple mission: “Growing Community. Growing Philanthropy.” For 25 years, the Foundation has been in business to serve as a charitable resource for local donors and corporations and to generate capital that provides philanthropic solutions to help make Kern County a better place to live, work, and visit. Since its establishment in 1999, we have been home to almost 200 charitable funds with assets over $50 million. We have awarded close to $30 million in grants and scholarships. For more information about Kern Community Foundation, visit kernfoundation.org.
Good things are worth the wait! The 2025 Give Big Kern Report to the Community is here.
We faced a small delay (including a hiccup with our Watch Party photos), but the report is now ready. This report demonstrates how Kern County looks out for one another by investing time, resources, and energy into strengthening our community.
The funds raised during Give Big Kern will go directly into the operational budgets of participating nonprofits. The participating organizations range from arts and culture to social services and environmental conservation. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of those who are most in need. Mark your calendars for next year’s Give Big Kern on May 5, 2026.
The Kern Alliance of Nonprofit’s (KAN) 3rd Annual KAN Leadership Awards is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Woman’s Club of Bakersfield, 2030 18th St. The purpose of the Nonprofit Leadership Awards is to recognize distinguished Kern County residents who have made significant contributions to the nonprofit sector in the region.
Nonprofit Professional of the Year (24-25) – It takes passion, drive and intellect to craft true transformation for people served by the non-profit community. This award honors the leader who has best used those tools to make a dramatic impact in the lives of their non-profit clients and, through service, improved the communities of Kern County.
Board Member of the Year – This honor goes to the non-profit board member whose commitment, engagement and stewardship has helped shape growth, improvement, and accountability at a Kern County Non-Profit. By providing financial support, oversight, guidance, and encouragement this leader has helped staff and the non-profit exceed its plans and expectations.
Rising Star Award – Non-profit staff and young leaders are on the frontlines of our efforts to impact community problems, overcome social barriers to success and improve people’s lives. This award honors an emerging star in the nonprofit world who made a powerful impact this year and who we are excited to see grow and develop in the coming years.
Lifetime Achievement Award – This category is designed to honor the legends of Kern County’s non-profit community. Their decades of commitment and effort have built a lasting legacy for the organizations they serve, created a foundation of structure and knowledge all nonprofits can benefit from, and served as the measure of attainment that new generations should aspire to.
Unsung Hero – These quiet champions transform services from routine to exceptional because they get things done, serve with heart and don’t waste time asking for recognition. They’re an example of how to truly excel and an inspiration for those around them. This award exists to create a space where these humble leaders get the recognition they deserve.
Youth Award (High School) – The next generation of non-profit leaders and innovators are already giving of their time and individual passion as they work toward their high school graduation. This award will recognize one of these young people for the work they do on behalf of causes they care for.
Nonprofit Contributor/Partner – Non-Profits don’t succeed without the support of community supporters who give of themselves and their resources to empower the transformative work our organizations do each day. This awards a community contributor and partner who has a heart for making sure nonprofits have what they need to succeed.
Happy hot summer to you all. July allows the Foundation to slow down a bit and review our year so far, celebrate our wins, and look for opportunities to improve. We’re still working—Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program has hired dozens of new paid interns and fellows, we’re meeting with scholarship winners to prepare them for freshman year, and we’re starting to plan festivities to celebrate our 25th year.
June gave us a chance to celebrate. Kern Alliance of Nonprofits hosted the 2nd Annual Leadership Awards lunch to recognize work in the nonprofit sector. Spoiler alert, our own Rashha Rohina earned the Rising Star Award. Beautiful Bakersfield selected Fatima “Teems” Tulfo as Young Professional of the Year, and KCF sponsored Large Nonprofit of the Year (congrats to Bakersfield Angels). Rashha and Teems, both outstanding in their field, are quite humble. We’re privileged to work with them, and I enjoy having a front row seat to their positive impact on Kern County.
Please (CLICK HERE) to learn more about these and many other Foundation activities. Stay cool!
Every year, Kern Community Foundation hosts Give Big Kern to help local nonprofit organizations raise money and volunteer hours. This year’s Give Big Kern, May 7, 2024, was the Official Giving Day for Kern County, the City of Bakersfield, and the City of Taft. Donors began donating to their favorite local nonprofit as early as April 7, 2024. Give Big Kern allows the people of Kern County to show support for organizations that improve our region, raising dollars and volunteer hours for local nonprofits through online crowdfunding, matching gifts, and pledges. The collaborative effort helps Kern’s community-based organization raise unrestricted resources at no cost while growing their visibility, capacity, and sustainability.
For the first time ever, Give Big Kern has surpassed $1 million in a single year for local nonprofits. This year’s event was the most successful to date, raising $1,529,018 and an incredible 22,067 pledged hours for 131 local nonprofits.
The funds raised during Give Big Kern will go directly into the operational budgets of participating nonprofits. The participating organizations range from arts and culture to social services and environmental conservation. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of those who are most in need. Mark your calendars for next year’s Give Big Kern on May 6, 2025.
Beginning January 23 & 24. 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM. 40-week court approved. No Fee. Every week. This is a reoccurring class.
Financial Education:
“How Money Works” This is a one-day class and last about 45 minutes. At this time, we are organizing a monthly co-hort.
Kern County Public Health Mobile Health Clinic:
Beginning January 18 the MSC will partner with the mobile health clinic on a monthly basis for the 3rd Thursday of every month. 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Parenting Kit Distribution:
The MSC has begun to distribute kits for new parents.
Referral Services:
If there is a service that an individual needs that the MSC doesn’t provide we have partnered with a platform to submit referrals to other organizations in the community to meet the needs of the individual.
Business Security Improvements Grant Program Guidelines
The City of Bakersfield’s Business Security Improvements Grants Program supports security improvements to assist small businesses and non-profits and mitigate financial hardship in disproportionately impacted areas. The Business Security Improvements Grant Program uses federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to provide grants within Qualified Census Tracts in the city limits of Bakersfield.
To be eligible for a grant:
Your business must be within a Qualified Census Tract (see map in Attachment A).
You must have a current business license with the City of Bakersfield.
Must not have any delinquent bills or outstanding liens issued by the City.
The business must have no more than 500 employees.
About The Center The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity (The Center) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender community (LGBTQIA2S+) in Kern County, California.
Mission and Values The Center is an easy-access hub providing safe, supportive spaces and services to Kern County’s LGBTQIA2S+ community and allies. We welcome persons of all identities and strive toward a goal of creating a feeling of belonging for all persons while serving as a bridge connecting to the greater community in Kern County.
Organizational History The Center opened as a downtown community outreach center in 2011 and operated as volunteer-run organization until the first paid staff position was filled in 2016. Currently, there is a paid staff of seven. A second location, The Annex, houses administrative offices and counseling services. The 2023-24 Budget is $750,000., funded by local donors and multiple grants.
Organizational Impact The Center provides services to support Kern County LGBTQ+ residents in living happy, productive, fulfilling lives in a safe and supportive community. Our efforts are focused on individual support services such as counseling and activities to help build self-esteem, and community transformation activities including cultural competency trainings. By conservative estimates, 66,000 Kern residents identify as LGBTQ+ (7.1% of the population, as estimated by Gallup, 2022); many have struggled for self acceptance as well as acceptance and understanding from family, friends, and community. The Center provides that acceptance and educates the wider community in how to provide affirming services. Since opening, The Center has welcomed over 13,000 visitors into its Safe Space as it serves the needs of Kern County’s LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Candidate Profile
The new Executive Director of The Center will be an experienced, motivational, and equity-centered leader with a professional track record of organizational development and mission advancement. They will bring a transparent, inclusive, and collaborative leadership style, and the ability to direct, mentor, support, and coach staff at all levels of experience and professional development. Candidates for this position should have a personal style that is empathetic, warm, and engaging, along with the ability to set healthy boundaries, hold people accountable, and actively listen/respond to the needs of a wide range of internal and external constituents. They should be empathetic, accessible, and people-centered and, at the same time, bring the professional skills and knowledge to lead The Center to new levels of success and impact. Regardless of professional background, a personal understanding of and commitment to intersectional issues/identities (race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, etc.) in the LGBTQ+ community is essential.
