Pauer, who officially takes up her new role on February 21, has worked in real estate for the past seven years and was a sales manager at Coldwell Banker Best Realty in Tehachapi for three years. Previously, she worked as Deputy Assistant Director for Shumla, an international center for archaeological research and education headquartered in Texas, where she was responsible for educational programs, including fundraising and community outreach.

She and her husband of 32 years, Brett Pauer, moved to Tehachapi when he accepted a position with NASA at Edwards, working on the X-59 project, after his retirement from the US Air Force. Their sons, Harrison and Kurt, both graduated from Tehachapi High School and now work in the aerospace industry.

Pauer’s community involvement has included membership in the Rotary Club of Tehachapi and volunteering at Tehachapi High, including assisting with the robotics team and former member of the school site council. She left real estate to take up the housekeeping job.

She said she looked forward to working with the chamber board to get the organization back on track, including restoring the monthly networking lunches starting March 15, hosting the annual awards banquet and the set-up dinner (tentatively in May) and planning the big chamber event of the year, the Tehachapi Mountain Festival the third weekend of August.

“I really love Tehachapi and see this as a great opportunity to help the community during these unusual times,” she said.

Pauer noted that Perkins has made a huge contribution to the community over his many years with the chamber.

“She meant a lot to the community and we miss her,” Pauer said. “I have big shoes to fill.”

A number of community leaders supported the house council’s efforts to reorganize after Perkins’ unexpected death on November 4 and expressed their pleasure when they heard of Pauer’s appointment.

“I am delighted and delighted with the selection of the new president of (the Tehachapi chamber),” said Josh Pierce, chairman of the board of the Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council. “We have an amazing community to support and celebrate. Together, our two organizations will partner and develop opportunities to continue to grow our diverse business and improve the economic well-being of our community in the greater Tehachapi area. This is our opportunity to have a powerful collaborative partnership reinvented.

Pierce also expressed appreciation for Perkins’ contributions and the hard work of the chamber board.

“I would also like to acknowledge the dedication and success that Ida Perkins has brought to the chamber and to the community,” he said. “Without his passion and dedication, much of what the chamber (accomplished) would not have been possible without his leadership.

“The board had tough decisions to make after the loss of Ida Perkins and it was not an easy process,” he continued. “I thank the Board of Directors for ensuring that the new President of the Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce is focused on our community and supporting these key drivers of economic success.”

Corey Costelloe, also a member of the GTEDC Board of Directors, is Deputy City Manager and oversees economic development for the town of Tehachapi.

“I have come to know Jeannette over the past few years and she has been a great advocate for Tehachapi while also being active in various local organizations that serve our community,” he said. “His positive disposition, energy and vision are a perfect fit for the Grand Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to starting to collaborate with her and the chamber to continue improving and promoting Tehachapi together.

City Manager Greg Garrett was equally enthusiastic.

“Jeanette Pauer will do a fantastic job with the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce,” Garrett said. “She is just a force for good and she will quickly become an asset to our local businesses in Tehachapi.”

Chamber board members, in addition to Abrego, include Treasurer Carolyn Wiles, Lydia Chaney, Jessica Davidson, Stephanie Garcia, Kenny Harrison and Jim Miller.

Pauer said the chamber’s networking luncheons will resume on the third Tuesday of every month, starting March 15. Reservations are required and must be made no later than Friday, March 11. City Manager Garrett will be the speaker.

Lunch on March 15 will be at Big Papa’s, 1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd. Start time and lunch price were not available at press time. For more information or reservations, call the chamber at 822-4180.

The chamber office at 209 E. Tehachapi Blvd. will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a lunch break, Pauer said.

Claudia Elliott is a freelance journalist and former editor of Tehachapi News. She lives in Tehachapi and can be contacted by email: [email protected]