ACE Advisory Committee
The ACE Advisory Committee was created by The Academy Regents to serve as a review and advisory body for the Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) program and its related trainings: Advanced Institute for Economic Development (Advanced Institute) and Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program (Keys Course). Committee members serve as the brain trust of the program’s structure and history, as well as provide recommendations for the next phase of the program. With their applied background in the field, they will also provide a valuable perspective on training curriculum and content that is current and relevant to the profession.
The ACE Advisory Committee members have diverse and expansive backgrounds in economic development and have been involved in the ACE program in various ways.
We appreciate their time and guidance on this important program!
Bruce Kern
CALED Board Advisor (Retired, East Bay Economic Development Alliance)Bruce Kern has over 40 years’ experience in community planning and economic development, serving in executive positions in state and local government. In 1990, Kern became the founding Director of the East Bay’s Economic Development Alliance, representing more than 150 member organizations. Comprised of community leaders, the organization continues to serve as the regional voice and networking resource for strengthening the East Bay’s economy. After retiring in 2010, Kern has continued to give back to the community and to his profession. He currently serves as an advisor on the Board of Directors of the California Association for Local Economic Development and is the past Chairman of the California Academy for Economic Development.
Larry Vaupel
CALED Board Member (Formerly City of Vista)Larry Vaupel recently retired from the City of Vista, CA as the Director of Economic Development where he oversaw business recruitment, retention & expansion, and entrepreneurial development. Larry is Immediate Past Chair of CALED and serves on its Executive Committee. He also serves on the CEDA Board of Directors and as a Regent for the California Academy for Economic Development. Since moving to California in 2012, Larry has served the Cities of Riverside, Redding, and Big Bear Lake. Larry has worked in Illinois and California in both the private and public sectors in the fields of city planning, real estate development, workforce development, and community & economic development. He has served a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities. Larry has earned a Bachelor of Science in government, a Master’s Degree in public administration, and Ph.D. in political science from Northern Illinois University. Larry enjoys camping, mountain biking, and trail running with his golden retriever, Nala, in the mountains of Southern California.
Kayla Charters
ACE (City of Menifee)Kayla Charters serves as the Economic Development Manager for the City of Menifee, California, where she has played a key role in driving the City’s economic momentum since 2016. With a results-oriented and community-centered approach, Kayla leads a high-performing team responsible for advancing City leadership’s economic vision and delivering award-winning programs that strengthen Menifee’s fiscal sustainability, business climate, and quality of life.
As a strategic leader in one of California’s fastest-growing cities, her work emphasizes maximizing return on investment, cultivating public-private partnerships, and ensuring economic development efforts directly benefit the Menifee community. Known for blending data-driven strategy with innovative thinking, Kayla brings a fresh perspective to municipal economic development while maintaining a strong foundation in public service.
Rob Moran
Academy Regent (Retired, County of Riverside Office of Economic Development)Rob Moran serves as an Academy Regent and, prior to his retirement, was the Deputy Director for the Riverside County Business & Community Services department. He was responsible for implementing business attraction, retention, and various entrepreneurship programs throughout Riverside County. He coordinated efforts with several of the
county’s economic development corporations, cities, chambers of commerce, and Small Business
Development Centers. He is a graduate of California Baptist University with a Master of Public Administration and Cal Poly Pomona University with a degree in Business Administration.
Harumi Murata
ACE (City of Oakley)