Kenneth D. Chapa 

Kenneth brings nearly two decades of public sector leadership experience with a focus on economic development, strategic planning, and partnerships across municipalities in various states, including California, Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada.

In his most recent role, Chapa served as Director of Economic Development for the City of San Bernardino, where he led a team responsible for implementing key economic strategies, growing department staffing by 50 percent, and managing an annual operating budget of $3.1 million. He previously conducted economic development efforts in Avondale, Arizona, where he led the city’s first-ever tourism strategic plan and spearheaded a $6 billion technology investment deal which was the largest in the city’s history. These efforts helped his team earn multiple local and national awards as well as being named the 2022 Economic Developer of the Year by the Arizona Association of Economic Development

Chapa’s career also includes executive leadership roles with the City of Henderson, Nevada, and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, handling large development agreements and enhanced pipeline management systems to support business retention and attraction efforts. In his new role, he will support the City Manager of Barstow in overseeing city operations, advancing Barstow’s economic development goals, and enhancing collaboration to foster community growth.
“We are excited to welcome Kenneth to the executive leadership team,” said Barstow City Manager Rochelle Clayton. “His depth of experience and results in economic development and strategic planning make him an excellent addition to our city as we continue driving Barstow’s growth amid many future endeavors.”
Chapa holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arizona State University. In addition, he is an active member of several national and regional economic development organizations.