My name is Kevin Burton and I’ve been working for Klein DeNatale Goldner for 3 years as the Admin. Director of Client Relations and Government/Public Affairs. I have been watching CAPK continue to grow and provide amazing services to our community and when asked if I would be interested in sitting on the Foundation board, I was thrilled. I personally have been part of the fabric of this community for over 35 years and have had a lot of opportunities to give back to our community. Co-chairing the Grossman Burn Center Capital Campaign in 2009 to bring a state-of-the-art burn center to Bakersfield and also help to raise millions of dollars to bring a state-of-the-art cancer center, the AIS Cancer Center, to Bakersfield in 2012. I’m a product of our local schools here in Bakersfield. A graduate of North High School in 1989 and Bakersfield College 1992. I went on to become a Paramedic in 1993 and was also a Bakersfield City Reserve Firefighter for 18 years. I also worked with Gene Tackett and helped the late Harvey Hall’s first campaign for Mayor of Bakersfield in 2000. I worked for a smaller law firm here in Bakersfield for 10 years, then was asked to be one of the founding members of the new San Joaquin Community Hospital Foundation in 2007. I was later hired in 2010 to be the first President of the SJCH Foundation. I am now working for the largest law firms in the Central Valley with offices in Bakersfield, Fresno, and San Diego and enjoying it every day.
Ariana Joven is a Government Affairs Manager for The Wonderful Company. In this capacity, she focuses on agricultural policy issues and government relations in the Central Valley. Prior to joining The Wonderful Company, Ariana was Executive Director of the Kern County Farm Bureau where she advocated on behalf of local farmers. Ariana previously worked for a Congressman and California State Assemblyman, gaining experience working with both federal and state governments. She serves as a member of the Bakersfield College Foundation Board and local high school FFA Advisory Boards. Ariana received a B.S. in Agricultural Communications from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Denise was born and raised in Bakersfield and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Denise earned her Certified Public Accountant license in 2001 while working as an auditor for Deloitte & Touche LLP. She is currently the Controller at Grade Water and Power and has previously held similar positions in several independent oil and gas companies in Bakersfield.
Denise is a longtime supporter of the economic empowerment of the disabled community, children’s education, military veterans, law enforcement and the energy industry. She says it is a privilege to serve as a private sector member on the Board of Directors of Community Action Partnership of Kern which provides much needed services to the underprivileged residents of Kern County.
Michael Bowers is the newly appointed Planning Commissioner for the city of Bakersfield and Director of Public Relations and Business Development for Centric Healthcare in Bakersfield CA. He is a progressive thinker and has served on many boards and community campaigns in Kern County.
Formerly serving as the Deputy District Director for Senator Andy Vidak, 14th Senate District and Senior Staff Representative for Congressman David Valadao, Bowers has partnered with a multitude of educational institutions, charity fundraisers, civil and justice advocacy projects, economic development training and community engagement projects. Over the years, Bowers has been instrumental in securing over $4.2 million dollars in community funding. He has served on many organizations including: Housing & Opportunity of Kern (Chairman of the Board), Advanced Center for Eye Care (Board of
Director), City of Bakersfield. (Member) American Cancer Society’s Capital Campaign Committee, Alzheimer’s Association (Board of Director), Boys of Color (Mentor), Upside Academy, Inc. (Board of Director), The Patricia Jean Foundation (Board of Director) and Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Council (Member). Additionally, in 2014, Bowers, was named one of Bakersfield’s top “20 Under 40” leaders by Bakersfield Life Magazine. He was also the recipient of the Community Recognition Award from California Teacher Association for a lifetime of dedicated service to education and the Community Service Award with the African American Network of Kern County.
Bowers is committed to engaging communities and government in dialogue about how to create viable economic resources. He is also committed to empowerment, education, and the fostering of strong networks. He believes that one person and one act can make a difference – starting with self.
Born and raised in Bakersfield, Bowers grew up in East Bakersfield, one of the most financially disadvantaged parts of Kern County. He attended Bakersfield High School, Bakersfield College, and Texas Southern University in Houston, (Political Science). He has been able to overcome barriers by not becoming a product of his environment, but a leader that believes in giving back to his community.
Lillian Brust was born and raised in Bakersfield. She is very familiar with CAPK and their impact in Kern County by providing much needed resources to those who need assistance within our community. She is excited to join the CAPK Foundation and to be a part of this outstanding organization that makes a difference in everyday lives.
Brust is an Insurance Agent with Clifford and Bradford Insurance Agency that has over 30 years of experience working with business owners and community leaders. From those relationships, Brust and her family have been able to organize and support local community events to benefit local non-profit organizations that serve Kern County.
My name is Don Bynum and I am President of Temblor Brewing Company, a locally owned brewery, restaurant and event venue, as well as Director of Asset Managment at Bynum Inc., a family-owned full service Commercial Real Estate Company. I have a deep passion for improving the quality of life in our community, which includes help tackling tough problems like hunger and homelessness. In the past I served on the United Way and CAPK board directors. Additionally, my businesses and family have supported dozens of charities over the years. I am proud of the work that CAPK does in our community and I look forward to being a part of this new chapter. I graduated with a degree in Economics from UC Davis in 2001. I am a Certified Property Manager through the Institute of Real Estate Managment, and I hold a California Department of Real Estate Brokers license. Temblor Brewing Company opened to the public in 2015.
BIO COMING SOON
Traco Matthews is the Chief Health Equity Officer (CHEO) for Kern Health Systems (KHS). Working with the Executive team, he provides leadership in the design and implementation of KHS’s business strategies, stakeholder relationships, and community programs to ensure health equity is prioritized and addressed. Traco brings extensive leadership skills, a strong vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and deep community connections to this critical position in Kern County’s local Medi-Cal managed care organization.
Traco continually seeks to improve culture, processes, and outcomes through his work at KHS and in the community. He uses his experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to contribute human-centered strategic analysis, effective leadership development, and expertise in building trust with Kern Family Health Care members and other important stakeholders including providers and community partners.
The passion that drives Traco in his work at Kern Heath Systems also shapes his commitment to the community in his personal life. He teaches business courses at California State University, Bakersfield, provides mentoring for leaders on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and serves as a local pastor and community advocate. He graduated from the University of California, Davis with a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2001, and from California State University, Bakersfield, with an M.B.A. in 2017. He is happily married to his wife of over 20 years, Dr. Jessica Grimes, a community college district administrator. Bakersfield, CA serves as the home base for their frequent travels and life adventures
Born and raised in Delano, California, June Nachor proudly serves as the current Vice Chairwoman of the Tejon Indian Tribe, bringing strength, compassion, and executive-level leadership to her role. In February 2025, she was appointed Program Director of the newly established Tejon Indian Tribe Community Advocacy Program an initiative created to protect, empower, and support victims within the community. Under her leadership, the program successfully secured a multimillion-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, marking a transformative investment in victim services, safety infrastructure, and culturally grounded advocacy for Tribal citizens.
June’s professional foundation was built over more than 15 years in management and executive roles within the oil and gas industry. In that demanding environment, she mastered strategic operations, high-level negotiations, and the ability to navigate diverse personalities and complex customer needs and skills that now serve her well as a respected Tribal leader and policymaker.
Her commitment to community service extends far beyond Tribal governance. June is an active member of the Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking, serves on the Bakersfield National Cemetery Support Committee, is a foundation board member for Community Action Partnership of Kern, and serves on the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, bridging communities and building collaborative partnerships across the region.
Within Indian Country, June represents the Tribe as a delegate to California Indian Manpower Consortium, sits on the CalTrans Native American Advisory Board, serves as a board member of the Tejon Gaming Authority, and is a delegate to the California Nations Indian Gaming Association.
Grounded in her Delano roots and driven by service, June Nachor exemplifies modern Tribal leadership, strategic, compassionate, and unwavering in her dedication to protecting her people and strengthening her community.
I’m the Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector for Kern County. I was born and raised in Bakersfield, and graduated Anderson University with a B.A. in Business Management. Most of my professional career has been dedicated to public service, with more than 10 years at the County of Kern in various positions. For decades CAPK has been changing lives by providing essential and life-changing resources throughout the community, and I’m excited for the opportunity to serve on the CAPK Foundation board to help continue this mission.
I want to see the CAPK Foundation be successful and with my many years of experience as a member of the CAPK Board, I feel I can help the Foundation better understand the long term goals of CAPK.
I am retired after 31 years of public service with Kern County, and I have been on the Board of Directors of CAPK for the past 29 years, serving as Board Chairperson for 6 years. I am also the Board President for Desert Willow Apartments in Ridgecrest, a HUD funded non-profit originally sponsored by CAPK to provide independent living services for the mentally ill.
CAPK has a successful history of over 50 years of helping better our community through it’s anti-poverty programs, and as a member of the CAPK Board of Directors, I have seen firsthand the impact the organization makes on people’s lives throughout the county.
I have a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration and a Masters in Public Administration, both from CSUB. I retired from Kern County as the CFO at Kern Medical Center and I have been an Adjunct Professor of Public Policy and Administration at CSUB for 23 years.
Celeste Porter is a finance executive and community leader dedicated to fostering growth—both in business performance and in the communities she serves. With more than 25 years of experience across growth companies, private equity, and public organizations, she brings deep expertise in finance, strategy, and operational leadership.
Celeste currently serves as the Potato Divisional Chief Financial Officer for Grimmway Produce Group, a global produce leader and one of North America’s premier growers, shippers, and processors of carrots, potatoes, and organic vegetables headquartered in Bakersfield. She shares Grimmway’s strong commitment to community engagement and volunteerism, guided by the belief that “when we give, we grow.”
Celeste holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University. She is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
A Bakersfield resident for more than 35 years, Celeste and her family are deeply engaged in the local community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the mountains, pursuing interior decorating and graphic design projects, traveling, and gathering with friends and family. She is passionate about mentoring students and early-career professionals. Celeste and her husband, Scott, have two daughters, Ella and Gianna.
BIO COMING SOON
While new to the CAPK Foundation as of 2023, Janea Roberts served on the CAPK Board of Directors as Treasurer from 2017 until 2022. She previously worked for Assemblymember Rudy Salas and California State University, Bakersfield where she gained experience and passion for serving people and communities. Having been born and raised in Bakersfield, attending Garces Memorial High School, Bakersfield College, and CSUB she is proud to continue to call Bakersfield home, where she raises her three daughters who are often seen volunteering beside her.
Rudy Salas is a former California State Assembly Member and the current Principal Partner at Power House Strategies, LLC. Representing the Central Valley from 2012 to 2022, Salas authored 78 bills signed into law and championed over $345 million dollars for local infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education and water projects in the district. His legislative legacy includes creating the California Jobs First program, establishing the state’s first Valley Fever Institute, and uncovering $560 million in fraudulent EDD claims through oversight audits. A graduate of UCLA, Salas has been recognized as “Legislator of the Year” by numerous organizations, including the California Police Chiefs Association and the National Federation of Independent Business. Mr. Salas began his political career as the first elected Latino on the Bakersfield City Council in 2010. In addition to his consulting work, he serves as a Political Science Lecturer at California State University, Bakersfield.
Chei Whitmore is currently the Vice President of Branches with Valley Strong Credit Union. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Management, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Chei has been in the financial industry for the past twenty-five years with her organization working in lending and management. Her experience and education have helped shape her many successes; she has been instrumental in educating the youth through the Credit Union’s Financial Literacy presentations for local schools and other events in the community. She is motivated to join the leadership of the CAPK Foundation to help continue the legacy that has been started. As a direct product of one of the many communities CAPK serves, Chei is proud to be part of the organization that is truly making a difference.
