BPD Chief Lyle Martin

Lyle Martin attended local schools in Bakersfield, CA. Lyle possesses a Master’s degree of Business Administration and has completed his course work toward his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. December of 2016, Lyle Martin was selected as the 20th Chief of Police for the Bakersfield Police Department. Chief Martin worked for the Bakersfield Police Department for 32 years. His experience includes serving as a street level narcotics officer, motorcycle officer, homicide detective, Special Enforcement Unit Sergeant and Lieutenant, SWAT operator and SWAT team leader. After retiring from the Bakersfield Police Department (2019) Chief Martin was selected as the Chief Investigator for the Kern County District Attorney’s Office.

Chief Martin is a recognized Subject Matter Expert in Law Enforcement Executive Management Development by California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). Chief Martin was a planning committee member and is a graduate of the first cohort of the California Police Chiefs Executive Leadership Institute at Drucker. He was appointed by the Board of State and Community Corrections to the JAG Grant Executive Steering Committee as a Subject Matter Expert for the 2018 funding cycle representing California municipal police departments. Chief Martin is dedicated to public safety and quality of life issues in our community.

Chief Martin is Adjunct Faculty for California State University Bakersfield, Bakersfield College, and was the Lead Faculty Area Chair for the University of Phoenix Central Valley Campus for over 10 years.

Chief Martin is a member of Bakersfield Downtown Rotary, International Association of Chiefs of Police, California Police Chiefs’ Association, California Police Officers Association, Board Member for Mendiburu Magic Foundation, and Kegley Institute of Ethics Community Associate (California State University Bakersfield), California State University Bakersfield Center for Social Justice founding board member, Adventist Health Governing Board member, and President of the Bakersfield Police Activities League (BPAL). Chief Martin also enjoys reading and working out.

Tabitha Christopher

Tabitha has worked as a Certified Health Coach in building training and lifestyle programs for High Rank Military Personnel, Athletes, CEOs, and Hollywood elites for over 17 years. In her previous role as an Award Winning Trainer she went the extra mile in customizing health programs that would not only transform the body, but would heal and transform the inner workings of her clients Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health allowing them to thrive– – in their leadership roles on and off the field, at work, and at home.

After closing her training business, Tabitha established the ‘Tabitha Christopher Coaching Center’ a consulting company providing healthy mindstyle and lifestyle solutions to everyday trailblazers. Presently, Tabitha travels the United States speaking to various organizations and provides 1:1 consultative services to clients around the world.

Joe Coughlin

Joe is best known as the owner of Coconut Joe’s – a popular beach-themed
restaurant and banquet hall in Bakersfield, CA.

  • Grew up in Alexandria, Virginia: 1953 – 1979
  • Served U.S. Navy Reserve: 1976 – 1982
  • Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
  • Graduated Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ – 1982
  • Marketing Manager Pacific Bell – San Francisco
  • Pacific Bell Public Relations Manager – Los Angeles – 1984 – 1990
  • Served on several boards focusing on childhood poverty and Hispanic business opportunities.
  • Driver for the White House Press-Pool Car in Reagan Motorcades (west coast)

Joe has worked alongside the rich and the poor – the powerful and the powerless – the famous and the forgotten. Recognized by Congress for his work in the minority communities of Los Angeles, this experience was to forever change Joe’s perspective of people and life.

Moving to Bakersfield in 1990, Joe “stumbled” into the restaurant business where he created Coconut Joe’s. An avid learner, Joe still travels to Tucson each spring for class at The University of Arizona and occasionally attends class at San Diego State University. Joe has been happily married to his best friend Leah for 38 years and has two children – Ami and Kate.