Derek Sprague is a real estate broker and Vice President of Sprague Real Estate Group, Inc. His focus is on the sales, leasing, and management of commercial, industrial, agricultural, development land, and investment properties throughout California’s Central Valley. Derek was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, attending Garces Memorial High School and receiving his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration- Marketing from CSU Bakersfield. In business, Derek serves as member of numerous trade organizations, most notably being designated as a Certified Commercial Investment Member of the CCIM Institute as well as Vice Chairman of the Commercial Investment Committee of the Bakersfield Association of Realtors.
Ben Horn is the Managing Engineer for AECOM Technical Services’ Bakersfield, Antelope Valley and San Luis Obispo offices. AECOM is a global provider of technical services for markets including transportation, energy, environmental and water. Ben is a California licensed Civil Engineer, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from CSU Fresno and has worked as a civil engineer for over 35 years. He has provided leadership roles for design and construction management on water and wastewater related projects. Ben is a past president for several local chapter engineering groups including American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Public Works Association and American Council of Engineering Companies. He was recently involved in ASCE’s Kern County Infrastructure Report Card which identified infrastructure deficiency. Ben and his wife Leanne have lived in Bakersfield over 35 years and have 2 sons who are both pharmacists.
Richard Rowe is Vice President of the all-volunteer nonprofit Kern River Valley Revitalization organization (KRVR). Richard holds MA and BA degrees from the University of Southern California. After retiring from his position as Senior City Planner for the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency in 2004, Richard moved from Pasadena to the Kern River Valley and became an active community volunteer. At KRVR, Richard serves as website administrator and communications coordinator where he produces an informative weekly email to community members and policy-makers. He proposed and organized KRVR’s major annual event, the Living Green Kern River Valley Festival, held every March. He has been active in issues affecting the Kern Valley, including Broadband access and the Kern River Valley Specific Plan. He was key in urging the Board of Supervisors to develop a Kern County Dark Sky Ordinance which is now being considered by the Kern County Planning Commission.
Jenifer Pitcher is the Community Liaison for Kern Citizens for Sustainable Government and an adjunct lecturer at Taft College teaching Political Science. A Bakersfield native, Jenifer attended Centennial High School where she was a member of the We the People team, the yearbook editor and graduated with honors in 2004. Jenifer attended California Lutheran University before transferring to CSU Bakersfield in 2006. In 2007, she interned in Washington DC with Congresswoman Mary Bono. Jenifer graduated for CSU Bakersfield in 2008 Phi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honors) with a BA in Political Science. She received an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, combining Political Science and Sociology, in June 2011. Jenifer has worked as a District Representative for Senator Roy Ashburn and as the Community Resource Specialist for the Independent Living Center of Kern County.
Heidi Carter – Escudero has lived in Bakersfield since moving here in 2001 after accepting a job with local ABC television affiliate KERO 23 News. Heidi came to be a Consumer and Safety Issues Reporter, but her first day on the air in Bakersfield would be a day no one would forget – September 11, 2001. Heidi’s first live report started in front of St. Francis Church and ended at Houchin Blood Bank. This day introduced her to the heart of Bakersfield and the weeks that followed verified to her that she had moved to a city filled with caring, concerned, and connected citizens. Heidi worked for KERO for four years. She then began working with the Kern County Department of Human Services as the Outreach & Communications Marketing & Promotions Supervisor. She is the proud mother of twins, who just started kindergarten, and an active member of the Junior League of Bakersfield. She is a current board member for the Kern Chapter of California Women Lead.
A Bakersfield native, Brian DeWitt understood early on the importance the petroleum industry plays in the regional, national and international economy. Brian’s father, Brad DeWitt, was a successful petroleum engineer who began his consulting business in 1986 where he had the opportunity to work and learn. Brian studied public relations at Washington State University and hospitality from The California Culinary Academy. With a degree in hotel and restaurant management, Brian held several positions where he learned the importance of customer service and attention to detail. Returning to Bakersfield, Brian began working as a property tax and engineering consultant for independent petroleum companies through-out California. Brian has a solid tie to the community and is excited to continue growing his career in Bakersfield and meeting new members of the community for business and personal growth.
A Central Valley Native and resident of Bakersfield CA, Will Chandler has long been committed to seeing a positive change in his community. Will has been active in issues ranging from education, scholarship, public safety and business development. Over the years, Will has served with several community and civic based organizations. His community involvement includes service to the Reach for Greatness Mentoring Program, the Bakersfield Branch of the NAACP, the California Jr Black Chamber of Commerce - Kern County Chapter, The Center for Kern Political Education and as a staff member at a local substance abuse counseling center. Will currently serves as an assistant to a local realtor and is planning to pursue a career in city planning and/or management.
Kevin Burton is the President/Executive Director for San Joaquin Community Hospital Foundation. Kevin graduated from North High School in 1989 and obtained his Associates Degree from Bakersfield College in 1993. In 1991 Kevin began working at Golden Empire Ambulance Kevin received his Paramedic license in 1994 and, after working as an EMT at Golden Empire Ambulance, accepted a Paramedic position at Hall Ambulance in 1996. In 1997 Kevin was promoted to Director of Public Relations/Marketing. In 1999, he worked full-time on the campaign to elect Harvey Hall, Mayor of Bakersfield. In 2000, Kevin accepted a position as Director of Public Relations/Marketing at Young Wooldridge Law Firm. In 2010, he became President/Executive Director of San Joaquin Community Hospital's Foundation. Kevin has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the Fruitvale School District, the California School Board Delegate Assembly, the Republican Central Committee 3rd District, and was appointed by Assembly Woman Jean Fuller to the Republican Delegate Assembly. Kevin is also on the Board for the Kern Tax Association, a member of the Bakersfield Division of the American Red Cross Real Heroes Committee and a member of the Southwest Rotary Club. Kevin and his wife, Christa have been married 17 years and have two teenage daughters, Averi and Alyssa.
Derek Sprague is a real estate broker and Vice President of Sprague Real Estate Group, Inc. His focus is on the sales, leasing, and management of commercial, industrial, agricultural, development land, and investment properties throughout California’s Central Valley. Derek was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, attending Garces Memorial High School and receiving his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration- Marketing from CSU Bakersfield. In business, Derek serves as member of numerous trade organizations, most notably being designated as a Certified Commercial Investment Member of the CCIM Institute as well as Vice Chairman of the Commercial Investment Committee of the Bakersfield Association of Realtors. 
Ben Horn is the Managing Engineer for AECOM Technical Services’ Bakersfield, Antelope Valley and San Luis Obispo offices. AECOM is a global provider of technical services for markets including transportation, energy, environmental and water. Ben is a California licensed Civil Engineer, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from CSU Fresno and has worked as a civil engineer for over 35 years. He has provided leadership roles for design and construction management on water and wastewater related projects. Ben is a past president for several local chapter engineering groups including American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Public Works Association and American Council of Engineering Companies. He was recently involved in ASCE’s Kern County Infrastructure Report Card which identified infrastructure deficiency. Ben and his wife Leanne have lived in Bakersfield over 35 years and have 2 sons who are both pharmacists.
Richard Rowe is Vice President of the all-volunteer nonprofit Kern River Valley Revitalization organization (KRVR). Richard holds MA and BA degrees from the University of Southern California. After retiring from his position as Senior City Planner for the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency in 2004, Richard moved from Pasadena to the Kern River Valley and became an active community volunteer. At KRVR, Richard serves as website administrator and communications coordinator where he produces an informative weekly email to community members and policy-makers. He proposed and organized KRVR’s major annual event, the Living Green Kern River Valley Festival, held every March. He has been active in issues affecting the Kern Valley, including Broadband access and the Kern River Valley Specific Plan. He was key in urging the Board of Supervisors to develop a Kern County Dark Sky Ordinance which is now being considered by the Kern County Planning Commission. 
Jenifer Pitcher is the Community Liaison for Kern Citizens for Sustainable Government and an adjunct lecturer at Taft College teaching Political Science. A Bakersfield native, Jenifer attended Centennial High School where she was a member of the We the People team, the yearbook editor and graduated with honors in 2004. Jenifer attended California Lutheran University before transferring to CSU Bakersfield in 2006. In 2007, she interned in Washington DC with Congresswoman Mary Bono. Jenifer graduated for CSU Bakersfield in 2008 Phi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honors) with a BA in Political Science. She received an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, combining Political Science and Sociology, in June 2011. Jenifer has worked as a District Representative for Senator Roy Ashburn and as the Community Resource Specialist for the Independent Living Center of Kern County. 
Heidi Carter – Escudero has lived in Bakersfield since moving here in 2001 after accepting a job with local ABC television affiliate KERO 23 News. Heidi came to be a Consumer and Safety Issues Reporter, but her first day on the air in Bakersfield would be a day no one would forget – September 11, 2001. Heidi’s first live report started in front of St. Francis Church and ended at Houchin Blood Bank. This day introduced her to the heart of Bakersfield and the weeks that followed verified to her that she had moved to a city filled with caring, concerned, and connected citizens. Heidi worked for KERO for four years. She then began working with the Kern County Department of Human Services as the Outreach & Communications Marketing & Promotions Supervisor. She is the proud mother of twins, who just started kindergarten, and an active member of the Junior League of Bakersfield. She is a current board member for the Kern Chapter of California Women Lead.
A Bakersfield native, Brian DeWitt understood early on the importance the petroleum industry plays in the regional, national and international economy. Brian’s father, Brad DeWitt, was a successful petroleum engineer who began his consulting business in 1986 where he had the opportunity to work and learn. Brian studied public relations at Washington State University and hospitality from The California Culinary Academy. With a degree in hotel and restaurant management, Brian held several positions where he learned the importance of customer service and attention to detail. Returning to Bakersfield, Brian began working as a property tax and engineering consultant for independent petroleum companies through-out California. Brian has a solid tie to the community and is excited to continue growing his career in Bakersfield and meeting new members of the community for business and personal growth. 
A Central Valley Native and resident of Bakersfield CA, Will Chandler has long been committed to seeing a positive change in his community. Will has been active in issues ranging from education, scholarship, public safety and business development. Over the years, Will has served with several community and civic based organizations. His community involvement includes service to the Reach for Greatness Mentoring Program, the Bakersfield Branch of the NAACP, the California Jr Black Chamber of Commerce - Kern County Chapter, The Center for Kern Political Education and as a staff member at a local substance abuse counseling center. Will currently serves as an assistant to a local realtor and is planning to pursue a career in city planning and/or management.
Kevin Burton is the President/Executive Director for San Joaquin Community Hospital Foundation. Kevin graduated from North High School in 1989 and obtained his Associates Degree from Bakersfield College in 1993. In 1991 Kevin began working at Golden Empire Ambulance Kevin received his Paramedic license in 1994 and, after working as an EMT at Golden Empire Ambulance, accepted a Paramedic position at Hall Ambulance in 1996. In 1997 Kevin was promoted to Director of Public Relations/Marketing. In 1999, he worked full-time on the campaign to elect Harvey Hall, Mayor of Bakersfield. In 2000, Kevin accepted a position as Director of Public Relations/Marketing at Young Wooldridge Law Firm. In 2010, he became President/Executive Director of San Joaquin Community Hospital's Foundation. Kevin has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the Fruitvale School District, the California School Board Delegate Assembly, the Republican Central Committee 3rd District, and was appointed by Assembly Woman Jean Fuller to the Republican Delegate Assembly. Kevin is also on the Board for the Kern Tax Association, a member of the Bakersfield Division of the American Red Cross Real Heroes Committee and a member of the Southwest Rotary Club. Kevin and his wife, Christa have been married 17 years and have two teenage daughters, Averi and Alyssa.