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
Robert Duchow
President, Foundation Board
Public Affairs Manager, So Cal Gas Company
Suzanne Noble
Vice President, Foundation Board
Vice President, Production Regions and Sacramento Affairs, Western States Petroleum
Association
Todd Hampton, Ed.D.
Treasurer, Foundation Board
Vice President, Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer, WKCCD/Taft College
Cathy Bennett
Secretary, Foundation Board
Attorney, Klein DeNatale Goldner
Taft College Foundation Board of Directors
Adam Alvidrez
Public Relations Manager, Kern Energy
Jamie Andrews
Office Administrator, Synagro
Jan Ashley
Retired Nurse Practitioner
Janea Benton
External Affairs Advisor, Aera Energy, LLC
Deanna Blaise
Senior Vice President, Member Business Services, Valley Strong Credit Union
Nik Boone
Owner, Ascend Real Estate and Property Management
Joshua Bryant
CEO Financial Services, Taft Union High School
Richard Chapman
President, Kern EDC
Mia Cifuentes
Senior Public Affairs Specialist, Berry Corporation
Don Clark
Retired News Anchor
Les Clark Jr.
Owner, Independent Oil Producers Alliance
Octavio Escobedo III
Chairman, Tejon Indian Tribe
Julie Franks
Agent, State Farm
Penelope Fulton
Business Owner, Waiting for Ulysses
Scottie Gee
Senior Environmental Field Specialist | Environmental Management Gas Transmission, PG&E
Michael George
Executive Vice President - Marketing, Safe 1 Credit Union
Max Goossen
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Westside Waste Management
Sheri Horn-Bunk, Ed.D
Executive Director, Foundation and Institutional Advancement, Taft College Foundation
Elizabeth Howard
Co-Owner, Howard Financial and Wealth Management
Loretta Garcia Lipscomb, Ed.D
Vice President of Instruction, WKCCD/Taft College (Retired)
Megan Lopez
Public Affairs Representative | Corporate Affairs, San Joaquin
Valley Business Unit, Chevron
Ron Ostrom, D.O.
Medical Director and Treating Physician, Westside Healthcare District
Rusty Risi
President, General Productions Services
Tim Rushing
Senior Tax Analyst, Sentinel Peak Resources California LLC
Ray Scott
Adminstrator, Price Disposal
Rafe Edward Trickey, Jr., Ed.D.
Superintendent/President, WKCCD/Taft College
Taft College Foundation Staff
Jonathan Bench
Development Associate, Taft College 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)