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Kern County Cemetery District No. 1

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is composed of three members who live within the district boundaries and is appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, on a non-partisan basis to serve four-year staggered terms. It is the Board’s responsibility to transact business and enact resolutions to set policy necessary for governing the affairs of the Kern County Cemetery District.

A man with gray hair and glasses looks slightly to the side in an office setting.The man wears thin-framed eyeglasses and a dark brown collared shirt embroidered on the chest with gold text reading "Kern County Cemetery District". He is positioned in front of a yellow bulletin board featuring two maps, a photo calendar showing an outdoor scene, and a grid of small family photos.

Barry Braun

Position: Chairman

Term: September 13, 2016 until July 1, 2027

Email Address: [email protected]

Barry Braun was born and raised in Reedley, CA. He spent two years in the Democratic Republic of Congo before marrying his wife Melissa. He started farming with his wife's father shortly after that. They have three children and raised his family on the farm in a family partnership with his father-in-law.

Barry was a member of the Wasco Union High School Board of Trustees for over 19 years as well as various positions in their church. His favorite times are family vacations and include photography and flying his drone.

A headshot of a smiling man with gray hair, a beard, and glasses.The man faces forward with a cheerful expression, wearing rectangular black-framed eyeglasses. He has a neatly trimmed gray beard and mustache, with gray hair parted to the side. He is dressed in a blue, white, and green plaid button-down shirt. The background behind him is dark and minimalist.

Carl Olsen

Position: Vice-Chairman

Term: August 1, 2024 until July 31, 2028

Email Address: [email protected]

Carl Olsen and his wife, Carol, are long-time residents of the Wasco-Shafter area where they raised their two children. Both are very involved in their local church. Carl had a 45-year career as an educator, serving as a teacher, administrator, and university professor. He retired after 25 years as the Superintendent of the Fruitvale School District in northwest Bakersfield. He attended Biola University and Cal State Fullerton for his undergraduate degree, received his master’s from Cal State Bakersfield, and his doctorate from the University of Southern California. Carl has been active in a number of local and statewide organizations.

A headshot of a smiling, older man wearing glasses and a plaid shirt.The man has short, balding gray hair and is wearing rectangular eyeglasses. He is dressed in a dark red and black plaid button-down shirt over a white undershirt. He stands facing the camera with a friendly expression against a plain, neutral light gray background.

Jerry Ezell

Position: Board Secretary

Term: January 31, 2017 until July 21, 2026

Email Address: [email protected]

Jerry Ezell is a long-time residence of Shafter. He was a Area Manager for PG&E for 26 years and was the General Manager for Shafter-Wasco Irrigation District for 16 years. Jerry graduated from Bakersfield Junior College and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with an Agricultural Degree. He currently sits as a member of the Shafter Community Chest, and has been on the Shafter Planning Commission, Minterfield Airport Board, Shafter High School Leadership Board, Wasco Community Scholarship Board, Wasco Chamber of Commerce and Wasco Rotary.