Karen K. Goh (born 1955) is an American politician and non-profit organization executive serving as the 26th and current mayor of Bakersfield, California.

Goh was elected into office during November 2016, and was re-elected to an additional four-year term in March 2020, operating under a council manager form of government.

[2][3][1][4] Goh was a music instructor at Bakersfield Christian Life Schools before moving to New York City to work at the McGraw-Hill Companies in 1989.

[5] In 1996, Goh moved from an instructor towards managing editor of The McGraw-Hill Companies in New York, and was then promoted as the Vice president of the publishing operations.

Under this position, Goh was responsible for managing administrative operations such as trademarks, finances, human resources, and any facilities for the company.

[citation needed] In 2005, Goh became the executive director for the non-profit Garden Pathways, an organization that provides training and mentorship for youth and young adults.

[5] On December 10, 2010, Goh became the fifth district supervisor of Kern County in Bakersfield after she was appointed by the former governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In her position as a member of the Board of Supervisors, Goh was in charge of the executive and legislative matters involving Kern County and its special districts.

Goh responded to the increase in litter levels by collaborating with Golden Empire Transit to place more garbage bins around bus stations.

Goh was a part of the decision to have solar panels installed across the city of Bakersfield,[16] as well as the building of the energy innovation center.

[17] In the summer of 2020, Goh and the city council approved $120 million police budget, despite protests following the murder of George Floyd.

[19] Goh has expressed a desire to improve relationships between the police force and the citizens of Bakersfield, and attended events such as Kids and Cops, which partnered officers with children to play games and form positive connections.

[21] On April 18, 2018, Goh lobbied for Assembly Bill 3171, which would give $1.5 billion to local governments to be able to aid their homeless population.

[23] Goh has stated that Bakersfield is not able to provide mental health and substance abuse aid and that there was an increase in service resistance.

[26] On February 2, 2021, Goh signed a letter which encouraged the state of California to approve COVID-19 vaccinations for TK through second grade students and educators.