The KCERA office staff assists the Board of Retirement in the administration of the retirement plan. The staff's principal duties include processing applications for retirement benefits, refunds, beneficiary allowances and death benefits while maintaining accurate member records. Staff is also responsible for retirement system accounting and disbursing of funds, including monthly retirement benefits, as authorized by the Board of Retirement.
| Administrative Organizational Chart |
Administrative Members Biographies
 Name: Anne M. Holdren
Responsibilities: Executive Director, Kern County Employees' Retirement Association. Oversees a $2.8 billion asset portfolio, including stocks, bonds, direct investments and synthetic and currency overlay strategies.
Career Path and Other Activities: Administrator, State of Washington Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), 1998-2003. Program Manager, State of Washington DCP, 1993-1998. Benefits and Compensation Manager, Blanchard Valley Hospital, 1988-1993.
Education: B. A., Finance/Business Administration, University of Findlay (Ohio), Magna Cum Laude. Certified Retirement Administrator (CRA) designation. National Association of Security Dealers Series 6 and 63 License. Washington State Life and Disability License. Project Manager, Governor's Quality Team of the Quarter Award. Governor's Distinguished Management Leadership Award, Sustaining Leader.
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 Name: Lee Blair
Responsibilities: Assistant Executive Director/Investment Analyst, Kern County Employees’ Retirement Association. Assists the Executive Director in the administration, direction and supervision of all operational functions and provides investment analysis/support to the Executive Director and Retirement Board.
Career Path and Other Activities: Accounting Analyst, Tulare County Employees' Retirement Association, 1987-2005.
Education: M.A., Administrative Leadership, Fresno Pacific University. Certificate in Conflict Mediation in the Workplace, Fresno Pacific University. B.A., Management and Organizational Development, Fresno Pacific University. A.S., Business, College of the Sequoias.
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 Name: Carolyn Tilton
Responsibilities: Administrative Coordinator, Kern County Employees' Retirement Association. Responsible to the Executive Director in support of the Board of Retirement.
Career Path and Other Activities: Program Specialist, Child Protective Services, Kern County Department of Human Services (KCDHS), 2001-2007. Social Services Supervisor, KCDHS, 1998-2001. Social Worker, KCDHS, 1994-1998. Eligibility Worker, KCDHS, 1991-1994. Independent Financial Advisor, 2004-present.
Education: B.A., Sociology (Small Group Dynamics), California State University, Bakersfield, Cum Laude, 1988. National Association of Securities Dealers Series 6 and 63 Licenses. California Department of Insurance Health and Life License.
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 Name: Brenda Greenwood
Responsibilities: Information Technology Manager, Kern County Employees' Retirement Association. Responsible for all information technology systems and functions within the association.
Career Path and Other Activities: Systems Analyst, Kern County Auditor-Controller, 2003-2009. Various IT-related positions with the County, 1985-2003. Developed payroll and financial information systems used by County.
Education: B.S., Business Administration, emphasis in Management Information Systems, California State University, Bakersfield, Magna Cum Laude. Outstanding Student for the School of Business and Public Administration.
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 Name: Sheryl Lawrence
Responsibilities: Retirement Financial Officer, Kern County Employees' Retirement Association. Responsible for pension accounting and reporting associated with the County of Kern's pension system.
Career Path and Other Activities: Previously worked in banking, medical and various accounting positions. Involved in California Association of Public Retirement Systems (CALAPRS) and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). CPA candidate. Received achievement award from GFOA for excellence in financial reporting for the KCERA's 1999-2006 CAFR.
Education: A. A., Computer Science, College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn, IL). B. S., Business Administration - Accounting, California State University, Bakersfield.
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 Name: Karen Frieson
Responsibilities: Retirement Supervisor, Kern County Employees’ Retirement Association. Responsible for planning, organizing and directing the work of the Retirement Services Division as it relates to providing information to members and beneficiaries regarding retirement benefits and options, the disability application process, death benefits, reciprocity and service credit purchases.
Career Path and Other Activities: Retirement Supervisor, KCERA, 2007-Present. Retirement Services Representative, KCERA, 2003-2007. Account Clerk, KCERA, 1997-2003.
Education: Attended California State University, Bakersfield.
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 Name: Josiah Vencel
Responsibilities: Marketing and Promotions Associate, Kern County Employees’ Retirement Association. Responsible for creating, enhancing and maintaining a comprehensive communications program for KCERA and its members.
Career Path and Other Activities: Marketing and Promotions Associate, KCERA, 2006-Present. Communications Specialist, San Joaquin Community Hospital, 2006. Sales & Marketing Specialist, Lending First Home Loans, 2003-2006. Marketing Consultant, 2001-2003. Public Relations Specialist, AMR Advertising, 2000-2003.
Education: B.A., Communications/Public Relations, Biola University, Magna Cum Laude. Top Public Relations Student Award. Centurions Program graduate in Worldview Studies, The Wilberforce Forum, 2005-2006.
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How to Contact Us
You may call or visit the KCERA office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Telephone (661) 868-3790
Fax (661) 868-3779
Toll Free (800) 548-0738
TTY Relay (800) 735-2929 |
Our office is located at the County Administration Building,
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1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor
Bakersfield, California 93301 |
You may also reach us by email at: ServiceRep@kcera.org
This site is intended for general purposes only. See disclaimer for terms and usage.
© 2001-2007 Kern County Employees'
Retirement Association. All Rights Reserved.
If you have comments about the KCERA website, please send to: webmaster@kcera.org.
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