About the Taft College Foundation
Incorporated in 2002 as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, the Taft College Foundation was established for charitable and educational purposes. It is the mission of the corporation to advance post-secondary education by supporting the programs and activities of Taft College, which include, but are not limited to, providing funding for building and classroom constructions, scholarships, sponsorship for books and educational materials, supplies, equipment, and programs. As programs continue to evolve, the Foundation meets the needs with an emphasis on raising additional money for education and student opportunities.
Since 2009, Dr. Sheri Horn-Bunk has served as Executive Director, Foundation and Institutional Advancement. Her knowledge and expertise of public relations and fundraising have expanded the reach of Taft College. Her vision for the Foundation includes growth through endowments, program support, events, and special initiatives. Through successful West Kern Petroleum Summits, Taft College Foundation Petroleum Partners, and other initiatives, industry and education partnerships have been created, enhancing student outcomes for work-force readiness.
Mission
The Taft College Foundation is dedicated to supporting student success through fundraising and development of community relationships.
Process
The Foundation is dedicated to maximizing support from the private sector through:
- Endowment development and expansion of existing gifts
- Investment in approved Taft College programs
- Creation of additional instruments of giving
- Management of infrastructure and services supporting these efforts
- Maintenance and expansion of alumni and donor databases
- Working with all members of Taft College
As a private, non-profit corporation, the Board of Directors governs this Foundation. The principal role of the Board of Directors is to establish policies and provide guidance in achieving its objectives. Board members work closely with the President, Foundation Board; and Executive Director, Foundation and Institutional Advancement; and other campus leaders to increase private support for endowments to enhance the educational and cultural environment of the College and surrounding community.
Foundation Board Members
Kirk Hessler
President, Foundation Board
Vice President, Banking Center Manager, Citizens Business Bank (Retired)
Rob Duchow
Vice President, Foundation Board
Public Affairs Manager, SoCal Gas Company
Todd Hampton, Ed.D.
Treasurer, Foundation Board
Vice President, Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer, West Kern Community
College District (WKCCD)
Cathy Bennett
Secretary, Foundation Board
Attorney, Klein DeNatale Goldner
Taft College Foundation Board of Directors
Janice Ashley
Nurse Practitioner
Deanna Blaise
Senior Vice President of Business Banking, Valley Strong Credit Union
Richard Chapman
President, Kern Economic Development Corporation
Don Clark
Retired News Anchor
Les Clark Jr.
Owner, Independent Oil Production Alliance
Carole Cohen
Retired Educator
Penelope Fulton
Finance Services (Retired)
Scottie Gee
Senior Environmental Specialist, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Michael George
Executive Vice President of Marketing, Safe 1 Credit Union
Gabriela Gonzales
External Affairs Advisor, California Resources Corporation
Max Goossen
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Westside Waste Management
Sheri Horn-Bunk, Ed.D.
Executive Director, Foundation and Institutional Advancement
Elizabeth Howard
Co-Owner, Howard Financial and Wealth Management
Nate Jones
Operations Manager, Baker Hughes
Loretta Garcia Lipscomb, Ed.D.
Vice President, Instruction, West Kern Community College District (WKCCD) (Retired)
Jamie Little
Office Administrator, Synagro
Megan Lopez
Policy, Government, and Public Affairs Representative, Chevron
Roland Maier
Executive Director, First 5 Kern
Jason Marshall
Director of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
Brock McMurray
Interim Superintendent/President, West Kern Community College District (WKCCD)
Suzanne Noble
Vice President, Production Regions and Sacramento Affairs, Western States Petroleum Association
Bill Phillimore
Phillimore Consulting
Rusty Risi
President, General Productions
Tim Rushing
Senior Tax Analyst, Sentinel Peak Resources California, LLC
Ray Scott
Administrator, Price Disposal
Jamie Swetalla
Public Affairs Specialist-South Kern, Aera Energy, LLC
Kal Vaughn
President, West Coast Construction and Mechanical
Taft College Foundation Resources
Mahea Maui
Development Associate, Foundation
Emeritus Life Members
John Miller
West Kern Community College District (WKCCD) Trustee (Retired)
Larry Peahl
West Kern Community College District (WKCCD) Math Professor and Director, Business Office (Retired)
Don Zumbro
West Kern Community College District (WKCCD) Dean of Students (Retired)