34 Facts About Karen Goh

Karen K Goh was born on 1955 and is an American politician and non-profit organization executive serving as the 26th and current mayor of Bakersfield, California.

Karen Goh was elected into office during November 2016, and was re-elected to an additional four-year term in March 2020, operating under a council manager form of government.

Karen Goh serves on the boards of the Rotary Club of Bakersfield, Bakersfield Arts District Foundation, and Kern Leadership Alliance.

Karen Goh was born to missionary parents Harry and Kathleen that came to British Colonial India.

Karen Goh's parent provided ministry leadership for the Bakersfield Chinese Church, where Karen Goh's older brother, David, currently works as a senior pastor.

In 1978, Karen Goh earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Southern California then earned a Master of Music Education in 1981.

In 1991, after graduating, Karen Goh found a position with The McGraw-Hill Companies in New York City.

Karen Goh was a music instructor at Bakersfield Christian Life Schools before moving to New York City to work at the McGraw-Hill Companies in 1989.

Karen Goh was promoted from Executive Editor to editorial director during her seven years working with the company.

In 1996, Karen Goh moved from an instructor towards managing editor of The McGraw-Hill Companies in New York, and was then promoted as the Vice president of the publishing operations.

Under this position, Karen Goh was responsible for managing administrative operations such as trademarks, finances, human resources, and any facilities for the company.

Karen Goh worked as the vice president for two years from 2002 to 2004 for the McGraw Hill Company.

Karen Goh worked for the McGraw-Hill company for eight years, ending her position with the company in 2004.

In 2005, Karen Goh became the executive director for the non-profit Garden Pathways, an organization that provides training and mentorship for youth and young adults.

In 2013, Karen Goh became the President and CEO of Garden Pathways, in Bakersfield.

On December 10,2010, Karen Goh became the fifth district supervisor of Kern County in Bakersfield after she was appointed by the former governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

On February 18,2016, Karen Goh announced an interest in considering running for mayor.

Karen Goh announced her formal candidacy on February 29,2016.

Kyle Carter and Karen Goh entered the 2016 mayoral runoff in November of that year.

Karen Goh received the public endorsement from Bakersfield Chamber's PAC on November 7,2016.

On November 8,2016, at age 60, Karen Goh won the runoff election and became the 26th mayor of Bakersfield, California.

On January 4,2017, Karen Goh was sworn in as the 26th mayor of Bakersfield.

The election took place on March 3,2020, with Karen Goh winning 83.6 percent of the vote.

Karen Goh was sworn into office again on January 6,2021.

Karen Goh is an active member on the Keep Bakersfield Beautiful board, which works to clean up litter throughout the city and tracks the litter levels.

Karen Goh responded to the increase in litter levels by collaborating with Golden Empire Transit to place more garbage bins around bus stations.

Karen Goh was a part of the decision to have solar panels installed across the city of Bakersfield, as well as the building of the energy innovation center.

Karen Goh let the members of Bakersfield know that this would be saving them money as taxpayers.

Karen Goh has expressed a desire to improve relationships between the police force and the citizens of Bakersfield, and attended events such as Kids and Cops, which partnered officers with children to play games and form positive connections.

Karen Goh has stated that Bakersfield is not able to provide mental health and substance abuse aid and that there was an increase in service resistance.

Karen Goh has stated that she endorses the mask mandate and encourages all residents to do the same and follow social distancing guidelines.

Karen Goh has stated her appreciation for all healthcare workers as COVID cases rise throughout the country.

On February 2,2021, Karen Goh signed a letter which encouraged the state of California to approve COVID-19 vaccinations for TK through second grade students and educators.

In 2005, Karen Goh moved from the East Coast back to Bakersfield.