Fatima “Teems” Tulfo

▸ June 14, 2022

Fatima “Teems” Tulfo is a driven advocate for community empowerment. As a project specialist, she began working for Kern Community Foundation in April 2022. Teems currently serves as the Associate Director of Community Impact. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Bakersfield, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her work. Teems graduated from South High in 2008. Teems had the opportunity to attend California State University Northridge through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), a program for disadvantaged, high-potential, first-generation college students. She earned her BA in Asian American Studies in 2013 and went on to complete her Master’s degree in the same field at San Francisco State University in 2015. Her research focuses on Filipina American women caregivers, recognizing the importance of advocating for individuals whose experiences are often overlooked.

After spending time in the Bay Area, Teems returned to Bakersfield in 2020, where she had previously made a notable impact as a Program Director for a before and after-school program. She is excited to engage with the community and make a positive difference with her diverse expertise. In her downtime, Teems finds joy in gardening and playing video games alongside her partner Frein and their son Freiny.

Lydia Chaney

▸ April 20, 2022

Vincent J. Oddo, Treasurer

▸ January 28, 2022

Aaron Falk CEO & President

▸ December 20, 2021

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 a Masters of Business Administration degree from 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.

Tanya D. Alsheikh, Secretary

▸ September 27, 2021

Joe Gregory

▸ October 28, 2019

Jay Hershey III

▸ October 28, 2019

Manager, JCH2 Enterprises, LLC

Justin Leland

▸ September 16, 2019

Angie Griffith

▸ February 8, 2018

Angela Griffith, known as Angie to friends and colleagues, joined the Kern Community Foundation in February 2018 as the Donor and Foundation Services Coordinator. In this pivotal role, Angie supports the foundation’s administrative and programmatic functions, including managing events, conducting research, and overseeing data collection. Her work is crucial in coordinating donor services and development activities that advance the foundation’s mission.

Originally from Hawaii and raised in California, Angie’s dedication to nonprofit work has been a driving force in her life for nearly a decade. Her journey in charitable work began with volunteering and fundraising for organizations close to her heart, such as the MS Walk, Relay for Life, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Children’s Miracle Network, and the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County.

Angie’s professional background includes over a decade of experience in the for-profit sector, where she developed her expertise in customer service and client relations. She began her career as a Receptionist and advanced to the role of Operations Manager at Pacific Dualies, an import/export auto parts firm based in Gardena. Her involvement in the Speed Equipment Market Association (SEMA) shows further broadened her industry experience. After relocating to Bakersfield in 2008, Angie transitioned to a Marketing Team Lead position at Sam’s Club, leveraging her extensive network to benefit the community.

Outside of her professional life, Angie is a devoted mother of three and grandmother of four. She cherishes family time and indulges in reading whenever she can. Her commitment to giving back extends beyond her work at the foundation; she has created blankets for NICU babies and toys for the Pediatric Unit at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. Angie is also passionate about educating others on event-based fundraising, sharing her knowledge to foster a culture of generosity and community support.

Staff