East Kern air district board welcomes new air pollution control officer
The Board of Directors of East Kern Air Pollution Control District made it official on Jan. 11, welcoming Gary Ray Jr. as the district’s new air pollution control officer.
New board Chairman Zack Scrivner administered the oath of office for Ray.
Ray is replacing Glen Stephens, who will retire March 8. He has been with the district since February 2019 and currently works as an air quality administrative manager. In his 20-plus year career he has tested fluids in the oil industry, worked in the environmental services sector and navigated air and water regulations.
As air quality administrative manager he was charged with developing the district’s annual budget of about $3 million, conducting audits and handling human resources and payroll.
Among projects he contributed to was the construction of the district’s boardroom and office at 414 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Tehachapi.
In his new role he and his staff will continue working to bring the district into attainment and helping the citizens of eastern Kern breathe a little easier.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in public administration at Cal State Bakersfield.
When not working through the complexities of air regulations, Ray can be found spending time with his wife, Lakesha, and two children, Kaleigh and Isaiah.
The district is one of 35 local air districts in California responsible for stationary source permitting, regional air quality planning and air monitoring. Its board includes county supervisors representing Districts 1 and 2 and representatives from the city councils of California City, Ridgecrest and Tehachapi.
MEETING INFORMATION
The district’s board plans five additional meetings this year — on March 7, May 2, July 25, Sept. 5 and Nov. 7. Meetings are held in Tehachapi, with Zoom access available in Ridgecrest. Meeting times and agenda information will be posted online at kernair.org.