Erica Easton

President, Kern Medical Foundation

Erica Easton oversees all efforts of the Kern Medical Foundation and its’ mission to raise support & awareness for Kern Medical’s world-class care, research and academic programs through philanthropic outreach.

Ms. Easton assumed the role of Executive Director in 2015 and has since built and implemented a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Kern Medical Foundation from the ground up. In three years, Ms. Easton has raised more than $7 million to support the life-saving and life-changing programs at Kern Medical.

A few of Ms. Easton’s accomplishments include the development of the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical, the Kern Medical Alumni Society and several outreach programs including Stay in the Game and Safe Home, Safe Baby. Her experience with nonprofits began in high school and her passion for serving the most vulnerable in our community has continued to grow over the past 20 years. She is committed to bringing state of the art technology and advancements to Kern Medical with the goal of attracting specialized physicians that provide care to our community right here at home.

In 2017, all volunteer programs were transferred to the Foundation, including the Kern Medical Auxiliary. Under her leadership, the number of volunteers have nearly doubled and occupy nearly 20 positions throughout Kern Medical. In addition, the health career pathway programs for high school students were expanded, as well as research opportunities for students with advanced degrees with hopes that they stay and practice in Kern County.

Before joining the Kern Medical team, Ms. Easton served as Annual Giving Manager at Friends of Mercy Foundation. Ms. Easton earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Chapman University and her master’s degree from Cal State University Bakersfield School of Business & Public Administration.