[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 153 (Friday, September 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING TOM BURKE FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE KERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 3, 2021

  Mr. McCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Tom Burke for his 
exemplary leadership in serving the residents of Kern and Tulare County 
for 20 years in his role as the Kern Community College District (KCCD) 
Chief Financial Officer and Chancellor.
  Tom graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis 
Obispo in 1981, and has lived in Bakersfield, California since. Before 
working for the KCCD, Tom was employed by the Getty Oil Company from 
1981 to 1985 and earned his master's degree from California State 
University, Bakersfield shortly thereafter. He moved on to work for 
Contel, a telecommunications company, until joining Bakersfield College 
in 1997 as the Director of Business Services. In 2001, Tom was tapped 
to be the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the KCCD, beginning a long 
career serving community colleges in the Kern and Tulare counties. When 
Tom first took over as CFO, the district's finances were shaky and the 
fiscal reserve was only at 5% of its annual operating budget, making 
the district vulnerable to financial difficulties. As of this past 
year, the district's reserve is about 50% of its annual operating 
budget, making it one of the healthiest in the State of California. The 
turnaround is a testament to Tom's leadership and commitment to our 
community.
  In 2017, Tom was appointed Chancellor of the KCCD, a widely supported 
move that was also endorsed by the Bakersfield College Student 
Government Association, who called him a ``champion for student voice 
and concerns.'' While Tom retired from his role in July of this past 
year, his mark on the Kem Community College District will undoubtedly 
endure. As Chancellor, Tom oversaw Bakersfield College, Cerro Coso 
College, and Porterville College. His deep understanding of student's 
needs and higher education allowed the district to increase its 
enrollment and seamlessly transition to virtual learning during the 
COVID-19 pandemic.
  Tom played a significant role in overseeing the management of the 
district's water-approved bond monies, which aimed to fund new 
construction projects throughout the KCCD, such as the Bakersfield 
College Vernon Valenzuela Veteran Resource Center. Under his 
leadership, Bakersfield College saw its largest graduating class in 
history, and the district's three schools were among California's 
community colleges that were least affected by the pandemic in terms of 
enrollment.
  Throughout his 20-year tenure with the district, Tom devoted himself 
to improving community education and serving others. He has worked to 
ensure that all students are provided with the resources and services 
that are fundamental to an effective education, and in doing so, Tom 
has established himself as an educational standard and community leader 
of utmost integrity, generosity, and competency. I am grateful for 
Tom's friendship and the service he has provided for the Kem and Tulare 
communities. On behalf of the 23rd Congressional District of 
California, I wish Tom and his wife, Tina, the best as he embarks on 
this next chapter in his life.

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