Executive Director, Kern Literacy Council

Organization: Kern Literacy Council

Position: Executive Director

Term: October 2022–September 2025

Location: Kern County, California

Leadership Overview:

The Kern Literacy Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1966 to empower individuals to improve their quality of life through literacy education.

As Executive Director, I led the organization’s adult, child, family, and community literacy programs throughout Bakersfield and Kern County. Kern Literacy Council services included Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, GED preparation, U.S. citizenship test preparation, workforce education, individualized tutoring, early-childhood literacy, and community-based reading programs.

I oversaw organizational operations, grant administration, fundraising, financial management, program development, community partnerships, and strategic planning. I supervised a team of three employees and coordinated more than 30 volunteer tutors providing in-person and online educational services.

A major focus of my leadership was expanding literacy programs into rural and underserved communities. I developed partnerships with schools, libraries, parks, workforce agencies, correctional institutions, community centers, and nonprofit organizations to create new learning opportunities for residents facing educational, geographic, economic, or technological barriers.

I also led the implementation and countywide administration of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Kern County. The early-childhood literacy program grew to serve more than 8,200 children from birth through age five, providing participating families with free, age-appropriate books delivered directly to their homes.

Key Accomplishments

Expanded Countywide Tutoring Services

Expanded Kern Literacy Council’s tutoring programs into outlying Kern County communities and increased access through online tutoring options.

The tutoring model included student intake, individualized instruction, volunteer tutor matching, and evidence-based literacy assessments such as the Individual Reading Inventory and Ekwall/Shanker Reading Inventory. Students were reassessed after ten-week instructional periods to document progress and adjust their learning plans.

Implemented Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Led the implementation and administration of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for Kern County.

The program enrolled more than 8,200 children and distributed thousands of free books to families throughout Bakersfield and Kern County. The initiative supported early-childhood literacy, kindergarten readiness, family engagement, and regular reading in the home.

Developed Workforce Education Programs

Implemented an Employers’ Training Resource contract serving workers displaced from Kern County’s oil and gas industries.

The program connected literacy education, career-readiness instruction, and workforce services to help participants strengthen the foundational and professional skills needed for employment transitions.

Expanded English-Language Learning

Negotiated cost-sharing agreements with the Lamont Elementary School District and Bakersfield City School District to provide English as a Second Language programming.

These partnerships expanded access to English-language instruction for adults and families while sharing program costs and resources among participating organizations.

Established Correctional Education Services

Developed a contract with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office to provide educational support to incarcerated individuals before and after release.

The program focused on educational stability, literacy development, reentry preparation, and continuity of services as participants transitioned back into the community.

Led a Countywide Disaster-Preparedness Project

Led a $92,000 LISTOS California disaster-preparedness literacy grant serving communities throughout Kern County.

The project combined emergency-preparedness education with accessible, literacy-sensitive materials and community outreach. It was designed to help residents understand emergency information, prepare for disasters, and connect with local resources.

Created Story Time in the Park

Implemented the Story Time in the Park project at six community parks.

The program brought themed book readings, free books, literacy activities, family engagement, and community resources directly into neighborhood parks. It promoted childhood literacy, intergenerational reading, creativity, mindfulness, and positive use of public spaces.

Built Strategic Community Partnerships

Developed and strengthened partnerships with local school districts, libraries, parks, workforce agencies, correctional institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community resource centers.

These partnerships expanded Kern Literacy Council’s outreach, created new learning locations, improved community referrals, and increased access to literacy services in resource-limited areas.

Increased Adult Program Enrollment

Grew participation in English as a Second Language, GED preparation, U.S. citizenship, adult basic education, and workforce-readiness programs.

These services helped adults improve reading, writing, mathematics, English-language proficiency, employment readiness, educational attainment, and civic participation.

Strengthened Program Evaluation

Implemented data-informed program evaluation and student progress monitoring across Kern Literacy Council programs.

Assessment results, attendance information, ten-week reassessments, program participation, and educational outcomes were used to improve instruction, refine program design, support grant reporting, and demonstrate measurable student progress.

Strengthened Organizational Operations

Improved internal systems involving grant management, financial oversight, program reporting, staff supervision, volunteer coordination, partnership agreements, and organizational planning.

These improvements helped Kern Literacy Council expand its services while maintaining stronger accountability, documentation, and alignment with its mission.

Overall Impact

During my tenure as Executive Director, Kern Literacy Council expanded its reach throughout Kern County, strengthened its adult and early-childhood literacy programs, created new public and community partnerships, and increased access to educational services for residents in underserved communities.

My leadership combined nonprofit administration, grant development, program design, workforce education, community engagement, literacy assessment, partnership development, and public-sector contract management. The work supported children, adults, families, job seekers, English-language learners, incarcerated individuals, and residents seeking greater educational and economic opportunity.