Staff
GOLDEN EMPIRE TEAM SERVING KERN COUNTY
Habitat Staff
The Team Building More Than Houses
At Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire, we’re more than just builders we’re neighbors, advocates, and teammates driven by the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Since 1990, our staff has walked alongside local families, volunteers, and partners to turn hope into something solid: a foundation to build a better future.
Each person on our team brings a unique heart to the mission whether organizing behind the scenes or leading on the build site. We’re proud to serve Kern County and honored to work with the people who make it stronger, one home at a time.
50+ Homes Built !
Real Impact Dozens of Kern County families now live in safe, affordable homes thanks to committed partners like you.
Our Staff
At Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire, we’re more than just builders we’re neighbors, advocates, and teammates driven by the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Since 1990, our staff has walked alongside local families, volunteers, and partners to turn hope into something solid: a foundation to build a better future.
Each person on our team brings a unique heart to the mission whether organizing behind the scenes or leading on the build site. We’re proud to serve Kern County and honored to work with the people who make it stronger, one home at a time.
Ron White
Chief Executive Officer
Martin Graves
Construction Superintendent
Art Sexton
Construction Supervisor
Brillito Paredes
Office Administrator
Claudia Talamantes
Community Support Specialist
Mary Almarez
Controller
Kevin Gonzalez
Construction Lead
Restore Staff
Gerardo Ormonde
Restore Director
Brian Evola
Senior Lead
John House
Drivers Lead
Andrew Anderson
Driver’s Assistant
Brenda Diaz
Senior Salesclerk
Camille Smalley
Salesclerk
Joanne Mendez
Salesclerk
Samuel Cruz
Procurement Lead
Our Leadership
At Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire, we’re more than just builders we’re neighbors, advocates, and teammates driven by the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Since 1990, our staff has walked alongside local families, volunteers, and partners to turn hope into something solid: a foundation to build a better future.
Each person on our team brings a unique heart to the mission whether organizing behind the scenes or leading on the build site. We’re proud to serve Kern County and honored to work with the people who make it stronger, one home at a time.
Sanjeev Advani
President
Angela Watson
Vice President
Kraig Gradowitz
Board Member
Teysha Strunc
Board Member
Mikin Plummer
Board Member
Eural Gordan
Board Member
Clint Baird
With Grateful Hearts, We Build Together
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire is creating homes and hope for families in need.
What Our Community Says
Stories of Impact, Built Together
We’re more than homebuilders we’re partners in transformation. These testimonials come from individuals and families whose lives have been changed through stable housing, volunteerism, and community support. Their words reflect the heart of our mission.
Frequently Asked Questions MYTHS
Habitat for Humanity gives houses away
FACT
Habitat For Humanity Golden Empire offers homeownership opportunities to families who are unable to obtain conventional house financing. Generally, this includes those whose income is 30 to 80 percent of the area’s median income. Prospective Habitat homeowner families make a down payment equal to 1% of the purchase price. Additionally, they contribute 200 – 500 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of their home or someone else’s home. Because Habitat homes are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.
Habitat houses reduce a neighborhood's property value
FACT
Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat homes have proven to increase property values and local government tax income.
Only minorities get Habitat for Humanity homes
FACT
Habitat builds houses in partnership with those in need regardless of race, religion or any other difference. Prospective homeowners must meet three criteria: need; ability to repay the mortgage; and a willingness to partner with Habitat. Statistically, across the US, 33 percent of Habitat homeowners are Anglo and 67 percent are people of color.
Illegal immigrants get Habitat for Humanity homes
FACT
Habitat requires that all purchasers, and their dependents, be legal residents of the United States of America.
Habitat for Humanity owners are on welfare
FACT
Qualified families are working people struggling to house their families, provide proper nutrition, purchase health care, and assure their children are educated. Some Habitat homeowners receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Typically their annual income is less than half the local median income in their community.
You have to be a Christian to be a Habitat for Humanity owner
FACT
Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat’s abiding belief that God’s love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty through housing around the world.
Build Hope with Us
Every gift helps build homes and change lives.
Your donation empowers local families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.