Sierra Jobs First Team
Our Team
Sierra Business Council Leadership
As fiscal agent and regional convener for the California Jobs First Sierra region, the leadership team is a critical link between the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-biz) in Sacramento and the community members and organizations that make Sierra Jobs First a community-led, collaborative process.
Steve Frisch
President, SBC
sfrisch@sierrabusiness.org
Kristin York
Vice President, SBC
kyork@sierrabusiness.org
Erika Harvey
Director, SBC
eharvey@sierrabusiness.org
Sierra Jobs First Team at SBC
The Sierra Jobs First team is responsible for engaging and aligning the efforts of the vital community organizations and individuals that make up the Collaborative. They serve as a two-way conduit between state directives and regional priorities, ensuring that state mandates are met while regional voices are heard
Kara Bechtle
Governing Council & Industry Coordinator
kbechtle@sierrabusiness.org
Kaela Frank
Research & Engagement Coordinator
kfrank@sierrabusiness.org
Heather Hawkins
Communications Coordinator
hhawkins@sierrabusiness.org
Jillian Pape
Program Assistant
jpape@sierrabusiness.org
Bella Brownwood
Economic Empowerment Project Assistant bbrownwood@sierrabusiness.org
Industry Sector Coordinators
Industry Sector Coordinators are Sierra Jobs First’s boots-on-the-ground specialists, deeply knowledgeable about the industries and communities they serve. The following contacts help guide, connect, and support projects aligned with the Regional Strategic Plan as they form collaborative partnerships and seek additional funding for implementation.
Agriculture & Natural/Working Lands:
- Motherlode Job Training: Sophia Kaufman, skaufman@mljt.org
Community Healthcare:
- Dr. Jennifer Burrows, Ed.D, MSN, PHN, RN, jennifer.burrows@cerrocoso.edu
- Mother Lode Job Training: Sophia Kaufman, skaufman@mljt.org
Sustainable Rec & Tourism:
Information on available resources, opportunities to collaborate, and sign up for one-on-one support at SierraWorks.org.
- MLTPA Foundation: John Wentworth, johnwentworth@mltpa.org
- Sierra Focus Media: Mat Galvan, mathew@sierrafocusmedia.com
Tribal Coordinator:
- Travis Nabahe, travis.nabahe@gmail.com
Clean Energy:
- Email jobsfirst@sierrabusiness.org to be connected with your county’s local Regional Energy Network