Housing Authority of the County of Kern
Members of the Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the County of Kern is comprised of seven community members who volunteer their time to provide leadership and direction for the Agency. Each commissioner is appointed by the Kern County Board of Supervisors with one commissioner representing each Board district and two tenant commissioners.
Max P. Bacerra, Chairman
Max Bacerra has served as Chairman of Housing Authority’s Board since 1990. He is a strong advocate for the Agency’s community involvement in both housing and social service programs for low income persons and their families. Mr. Bacerra owns his own consulting/planning & development business, wherein he works with local townships, as well as private individuals to develop commercial and residential real estate.
Fred Haas, Vice-Chairman
Fred Haas has served on the Housing Authority’s Board as Vice-Chairman since 1994. Mr. Haas owns his own consulting/accounting business. His financial acumen, objectivity, and maturity have been highly advantageous to the Housing Authority over the years, particularly in the evaluation of the Agency’s proposed new affordable housing developments. In addition, he is supportive of the Housing Authority’s staff and its community service involvement.
Brenda Callahan, Commissioner
Brenda Callahan is a long-time resident of one of Housing Authority’s public housing developments and has served on the Agency’s Board of Commissioners since 1997. Ms. Callahan is an advocate for public housing tenants and their needs while residing in the Housing Authority’s Low Income Public Housing Program. Commissioner Callahan has also served on one of the Agency’s Resident Advisory Boards within her neighborhood.
Gene Smith, Commissioner
Gene Smith has served on the Housing Authority’s Board since 1989. A former chief executive of an area bank, Commissioner Smith’s fiscal expertise, integrity, and professionalism has served the Authority well over the years. His evaluations of new projects, keen attention to detail, particularly regarding Housing Authority’s budgets, have been a great asset to the organization.
JoAnne Teague, Commissioner
JoAnne Teague was appointed as a Tenant Commissioner in 2003. She is a resident of one of the Housing Authority’s public housing senior developments. Ms. Teague has become a voice for seniors and the disabled at her complex. A former food service worker and mother of five, Ms. Teague takes an active role in her position at the Agency and attends all of the Agency’s ceremonies for new projects, as well as openings of developments.
Raju Jassar, Commissioner
Appointed in 2006 to the Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners, Mr. Jassar is a Bakersfield High School graduate and holds a degree in economics from California State University - Bakersfield. He is a licensed real estate broker with Keller Williams. Highly knowledgeable concerning the real estate market in Kern County, Commissioner Jassar lends his expertise about new development and financing in the Agency’s efforts to expand affordable housing in the County.
Jonathan Webster, Commissioner
Appointed in 2007, Commissioner Webster is a former Housing Authority employee, having served as a Public Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP) Coordinator. His work experience includes a position as job developer for the Career Service Center, a Program Coordinator for the Kenya Outreach Center and Field Representative for the County of Kern’s 5th Supervisory District. Mr. Webster’s broad experience promoting community aid for low income residents brings to the Board of Commissioners knowledge not only of the legislative process but also of the positive effects of grass roots organization.