Kern County Executive and Leadership Team

Eric Nisbett, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Kern County, manages critical financial operations and fiscal planning. This role involves overseeing budgeting processes, financial reporting, and ensuring the fiscal health of the county government. Nisbett's duties include developing financial strategies that support county services and infrastructure projects across the southern Central Valley region. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer works to optimize revenue streams, control expenditures, and maintain compliance with all financial regulations. By providing expert financial analysis, Eric Nisbett supports informed decision-making for county leadership, safeguarding public funds and promoting economic stability. This position is vital for the county's ability to deliver essential services effectively.

Jashan Bal, the President at Kern County, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the county government. This leadership role involves guiding departmental initiatives to ensure alignment with the county's mission of serving its residents and fostering economic development across the southern Central Valley. Bal's responsibilities encompass fostering inter-departmental collaboration, ensuring efficient resource allocation, and championing policies that enhance public services. The President's office works closely with elected officials and department heads to address community needs and drive progress. Jashan Bal's influence extends to shaping the county's long-term goals and its position within California's governmental landscape, ensuring effective governance and responsive public administration.

Al Bermudez, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Kern County, leads the strategic implementation and management of information technology systems. This executive function involves overseeing the county's technological infrastructure, ensuring data security, and driving digital transformation initiatives across all departments. Bermudez's responsibilities include developing IT policies, managing technology budgets, and evaluating new solutions to enhance operational efficiency and public service delivery throughout the southern Central Valley. The Deputy Chief Information Officer plays a key part in modernizing county operations through effective use of technology. Al Bermudez's leadership ensures that Kern County's IT systems are robust, secure, and capable of supporting the evolving needs of the community and its government.

Michael Goulart, the Assistant Chief Human Resources Officer at Kern County, supports the strategic management of the county's workforce. This role focuses on developing and implementing HR policies and programs that attract, retain, and develop talent across various county departments. Goulart's responsibilities include overseeing employee relations, compensation and benefits administration, and ensuring compliance with labor laws throughout the southern Central Valley region. The Assistant Chief Human Resources Officer contributes to fostering a positive and productive work environment, supporting employee development, and managing the county's human capital effectively. Michael Goulart's efforts are crucial for maintaining a skilled and motivated public service workforce.

Monica Molica, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Kern County, focuses on specific areas of human resource management to support county operations. This executive function involves contributing to the development and execution of HR strategies related to talent acquisition, performance management, and employee engagement across the southern Central Valley. Molica's duties include ensuring fair and equitable HR practices, supporting departmental HR needs, and contributing to workforce planning initiatives. The Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer works to enhance the employee experience and support the county's mission by ensuring a well-managed and motivated workforce. Monica Molica's contributions are vital to the effective functioning of the Human Resources department.

Kimberlyn Stillwell, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Kern County, concentrates on specialized aspects of human resource management. This leadership position involves overseeing key HR functions such as employee training and development programs, and ensuring compliance with evolving employment legislation across the southern Central Valley. Stillwell's responsibilities include developing strategies to enhance employee skills, foster professional growth, and maintain a positive organizational culture. The Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer plays a critical role in supporting the county's commitment to its employees and ensuring that HR practices align with strategic objectives. Kimberlyn Stillwell's focus on development and compliance strengthens the county's human capital management.

Keri Pharris, the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Kern County, directs specific initiatives within the human resources department. This executive role emphasizes the management of employee benefits, wellness programs, and the administration of HR policies to support the county's workforce throughout the southern Central Valley. Pharris's responsibilities include ensuring the efficient delivery of benefits, promoting employee health and well-being, and contributing to the overall HR strategy. The Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer works to create a supportive and competitive employment environment, aligning HR operations with the county's broader goals. Keri Pharris's dedication to employee welfare and benefits administration is integral to Kern County's human resource management.

Erin Briscoe-Clarke, the Chief Communications Officer at Kern County, directs all public relations and internal communications strategies. This executive role involves shaping the county's public image, managing media relations, and ensuring clear, consistent communication with residents and stakeholders across the southern Central Valley. Briscoe-Clarke oversees the development and execution of communication plans for county initiatives, emergency notifications, and public service announcements. The Chief Communications Officer is responsible for maintaining transparency and fostering positive relationships between the county government and the community it serves. Erin Briscoe-Clarke's expertise ensures that critical information reaches the public effectively, enhancing civic engagement and trust in county operations.