Speakers

• nstructor at ROC since 2006.
• California teaching credential in CTE Marketing, Sales, and Services.
• BS, Human Resource Management with minor in Political Science, CSU Bakersfield.
• MBA, CSU Bakersfield.
• ROC Teacher of the Year, 2012
• ROC’s Jim Burke Education Foundation Teacher of the Year nominee, 2011.
• Co-owner, Russo’s Books, 1989 – Present.
• Adjunct faculty, Bakersfield Adult School & KHSD Career Resource Dept., 2006 – 2020.
• Adjunct faculty, Bakersfield College & Kern Community College District, 2001 – 2015.
• KHSD job training instructor / Support Services Technician, 1989 – 1996.
• Previously co-owned Career Concepts (job search consulting firm) and Market Concepts (marketing consulting firm).
• Retail / Shipping & Receiving experience at The Broadway, Gottschalks, and Montgomery Ward, 1981 – 1990.
• 38 years of retail experience; 27 years in education & job search assistance (simultaneously, I’m not that old!).
• Served on and presided over multiple community boards and associations.
• Married with 3 children, all four of whom took ROC/CTEC classes while in high school

Valley Ag Voice is fortunate to have Russell Johnson as co-owner and Editor. With his in-depth history and connections with Kern County’s community, Russell is steering the news direction and focus of our Valley Ag Voice to include input from local Ag related agencies, associations, institutions and foundations.

Wear your pink!

Aaron Falk has served as the President and CEO of the Kern Community Foundation since 2021.

Aaron grew up in Bakersfield, CA and graduated from Stockdale High School. He has a degree in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara and is currently in the MBA program at California State University, Bakersfield. He also completed the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College as a civilian.

Before joining the Foundation, Aaron worked for over a decade as a Congressional staffer. For 7 years in Washington, D.C. Aaron focused on policy supporting the U.S. military, national security, and veterans. He returned to Bakersfield in 2017 and worked for U.S. Representative Kevin McCarthy through 2021. As Kevin’s local representative, Aaron saw firsthand both Kern County’s potential and challenges. Through these experiences, Aaron has fully committed himself to improving life for everyone in Kern County.

Aaron lives in Bakersfield with his wife Lauren and daughter Mia.

Lauren Skidmore is a pragmatic leader and visionary collaborator, with years of experience working with diverse private and public sectors. As a bridge builder, Mrs. Skidmore has a deep passion for facilitating change and advocacy for all communities in greater Kern County, particularly those who are the most vulnerable. 
Mrs. Skidmore was the District Director for Assemblyman Vince Fong of the 34th Assembly District, where she advocates for the broad interests and need of the Assemblyman’s constituents. Prior, Mrs. Skidmore served as the Director for Kern Citizens for Sustainable Government, where she elevated the organization’s impact in government transparency and efficiency. 
As a fifth-generation cattle rancher, Mrs. Skidmore is keenly aware of the impact of small business owners which propelled her to create innovative programs like the Bakersfield Young Professionals, while working as the Communications Manager for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs. Skidmore is actively involved in numerous leadership organizations and committees including Bakersfield College Foundation, Kern County Planning Commission, and Kern County Employee Retirement Association Mrs. Skidmore is a wife and working mother of two children. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration (Management) from California State University, Fresno, and a Master’s of Science in Community Development from Kansas State University.

Craig Harrison has been an inspirational speaker, author, and community leader for over 35 years. His insights, ecumenical spirit, and positive attitude have influenced many people on their journey of self-discovery.

Craig Francis Harrison graduated from Bakersfield High School, and UCLA, where he obtained a degree in Business and Economics with a minor in Psychology. He entered the Seminary at St. Johns and received a Masters Degree in Divinity.

Craig Harrison has legally adopted multiple children and 19 grandchildren, who have enhanced both his life and ministry.

He is a sought-after speaker and has donated many hours to numerous philanthropic organizations in Bakersfield, including Rotary, Kiwanis, Bakersfield Museum of Art, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Friends of the Children, Jim Burke Dream Builders, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Catholic Charities. Craig has also served on the Boards of the Bakersfield Art Museum, the Wheeler Foundation, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

In 2020, Craig Harrison formed Transition Ahead, LLC, allowing him to help others achieve the best version of self through healing. He has performed countless workshops on grief, trauma, and living in peace; and is the author of “Angel Girl,” written in memory of an 11-year old girl who passed away from cancer, and “Pax et Bonum,” a tribute to his beloved Assisi, Italy. He is currently writing two new books.

Craig Harrison’s daily reflection, “Coffee with Jesus,” and weekly Sunday video, “The Message,” bring spiritual inspiration to thousands

In 2016, Vince Fong was elected to represent the 34th Assembly District, which encompasses most of Kern County.

Vince serves on the following Assembly committees: Budget Committee (Vice Chair), Transportation Committee (Vice Chair), Appropriations Committee, and Business and Professions Committee.

Vince began his career with Congressman Bill Thomas, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, working on international trade policy. He then returned home to serve the residents of Kern County.

For nearly a decade, Vince served as the district director to House Leader and Congressman Kevin McCarthy, until Vince was elected to the State Assembly in 2016.

Vince is a lifelong resident of Kern County. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and masters from Princeton University. He serves on the boards of the Jim Burke Education Foundation and Honor Flight Kern County where he works to send WWII, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans to Washington, DC to see their memorials.

Goh attended Bakersfield High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in music and a graduate degree in music education from the University of Southern California.
After graduating, she taught music at Bakersfield Christian Life Schools and then moved to New York to work at the McGraw-Hill Companies, where she held several positions
including vice president of publishing operations.

After returning to Bakersfield in 2005, Goh volunteered at Garden Pathways for five years, and then became the president/CEO in 2013. She was the fifth district supervisor
of Kern County from 2010 to 2013. Goh was elected Mayor of Bakersfield in 2016 and was reelected in 2020

Jimmie has been the Executive Director of the Independent Living Center of Kern County since 2011. He earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, both from California State University, Fresno. While in college, Jimmie was an active member of the Advocates for Students with Disabilities.

Jimmie is an active member of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers Board and their Executive Committee. He has been appointed to the State Independent Living Council (SILC) since 2013, and is on the State Plan for Independent Living committee with the SILC. He is a proud member of the local VOICED coalition, comprised of other non-profit Directors throughout Kern County. He is also a proud member of the Bakersfield East Rotary Club.

Before moving to Bakersfield, Jimmie held the position of Director of Program Services at Fresno County’s Independent Living Center, a position he held since 2001.

Jimmie is passionate about the independence of all people with disabilities. Disability has affected his own family with his own visual impairment and having a brother that is Deaf. In his spare time, Jimmie likes to spend time with his wife and three brothers, exercise, and watch football.

Ryan J. Alsop Chief Administrative Officer Ryan Alsop was appointed by the Kern County Board of Supervisors to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Kern County on January 2, 2017. As Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Alsop is responsible for implementing the policy directives of the Board of Supervisors and overseeing general operation and function of County government, including Budget and Finance, Policy and Legislative Affairs, Compliance and Accountability, Human Resources, General Services, Information Technology, Economic and Workforce Development, among other critical functions.

Mr. Alsop serves on the Board of Directors of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Finance Corporation and on the Board of Governor’s for Kern Medical. Immediately prior to his appointment, Mr. Alsop served as Assistant Chief Executive Officer for Los Angeles County from 2009 to 2016 and as Director of Government and Public Affairs for Long Beach Water from 2001 to 2009.

He has also served as Director of External Affairs for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as Vice President of a private sector government relations firm in Washington, D.C. where he represented the interests of local governments throughout California and the nation, he’s served on the staffs of United States Representative Stephen Horn and California State Senator Ken Maddy, and has held government and public affairs positions with the Long Beach Area and Greater Bakersfield Area Chambers of Commerce.

Mr. Alsop received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Bakersfield, and holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the American University, School of Public Affairs, in Washington, D.C.