Housing Authority of Kern

Stephen has served as Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the County of Kern since 2005, and during this time, the Housing Authority has developed over 1,500 units of affordable housing, enhanced resident services, significantly expanded permanent housing and services for the homeless, and developed new partnerships with community organizations. 

Since 2016, Stephen has also served as the Executive Director of Golden Empire Affordable Housing, Inc. and has led a period of significant growth for the organization.  Stephen also serves on the Board of several local organizations, including the Kern County Hospital Authority, Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative, Kern County Network for Children, and Dust Bowl Historical Foundation.

After graduating from California State University, Bakersfield, Stephen began his public service career as a Social Worker for the Kern County Department of Human Services. While working for DHS, he served as a Social Service Supervisor and also as co-Manager of the initial One Stop Center in Kern County.

Stephen then accepted the position of Deputy County Administrative Officer with the Kern County Administrative Office, working as a Budget Analyst. He later returned to DHS as Program Director and served as interim Administrative Services Officer.

A Leadership Bakersfield and KCNC Leadership Development Program graduate, Stephen currently serves as Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the County of Kern. He has served as President of the Bakersfield Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration, Board Member and Treasurer of the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center and currently serves on the board of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Kern and Tulare counties.