Speakers

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Kern County (CASA) has announced its new executive director is Bakersfield native Ashley Vorhees

Previously, Vorhees was the executive director of the American Heart and Stroke Association and site director for Catholic Charities in Bakersfield for
several years.

Most recently, she was Vice President of Fundraising and Communications at Girls Scouts of Central California South.

Vorhees will lead CASA’s efforts in recruiting and training volunteers to act as court appointed special advocates to children who have been removed from
their homes and placed in foster care.

Supervisory Special Agent | Federal Law Enforcement | Criminal Investigations | Security Professional

Experienced DEA Special Agent with over two decades of dedicated service in various capacities. Starting as an NYPD officer, I’ve built a robust career in law enforcement, specializing in drug enforcement and international operations. With a track record of success across multiple regions and roles, I am dedicated to reducing quality of life crimes that affect local communities.

Looking forward to connecting with professionals and organizations where my background in law enforcement and strategic leadership can add value!

Jimmy Yee serves as president of Yankee Communications, Inc. with over two decades of local and national experience managing government relations and public affairs issues.

Prior to founding Yankee Communications, he served as Chief of Staff in the California State Assembly and in various roles with U.S. Congressman Bill Thomas, past Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee.

As president of Yankee Communications, Jimmy specializes in communication and political risk at the federal, state and local levels of government. He represents a diverse field of companies and associations including oil and gas, real estate, agriculture, health care, waste management and public utilities. His experience and hands-on approach enable his clients to traverse the challenging intersection between business and government. Jimmy’s strengths are in managing public opinion while balancing and monitoring political risk – a challenge in today’s economic environment.

EDUCATION
California State University, Bakersfield, B.A. Political Science