2 join chamber board

The Shafter Chamber of Commerce, which is holding its annual Community Awards Banquet on Jan. 24, welcomed two new board members recently.

Judy Goad and Phillip Jimenez are now on the chamber board.

Goad is the community impact coordinator for the Grimm Family Education Foundation and the executive minister of the Shafter Christian Fellowship. She enjoys getting involved in the community and meeting new people. "My passions are organizing events and public speaking," she says.

Judy's professional career path includes many years in management and human resources. Her volunteer activities include the Shafter Christmas Store, Shafter Kiwanis and multiple faith-based activities. Judy loves serving the community and is always looking for opportunities to be involved and to serve. "I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve on the chamber board and am looking forward to new adventures that lie ahead."

Goad was born in Bakersfield and raised in Southern California. In her spare time, Judy enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren.

Phillip Jimenez was born in Bakersfield, but he is a Shafter boy. Phillip earned his bachelors degree in Sports Studies at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan. He began his career as a program coordinator at the Shafter Parks and Recreation District and was later appointed district manager. "My focus has been on developing community partnerships to increase sports, recreation and fitness opportunities for children, youth, adults, as well as seniors," he said.

Under his leadership, the department has created a summer day camp, elite sports teams and Shafter Wellness and Athletic Training (SWAT) and its added recreational activities for seniors.

Phillip also participates on the Shafter Task Force, Shafter Kiwanis and District 15 of the California Parks and Recreation Society.

A coach once challenged him to do more with his life and pursue his education but then to return to make a difference in his own community. "It is my goal to open the horizons even further for area youth, giving them greater opportunities so that they can go even further than I did and someday return to Shafter to make their own contributions."