Candidate for
Councilmember; City of Salinas; District 5

Kimbley grew up on the Monterey Peninsula, graduated from Carmel High School and Monterey Peninsula College before receiving her Bachelor of Science in Criminology from the University of La Verne. She also graduated from MPC's Police Academy, receiving full P.O.S.T. certification to become a police officer in the state of California, graduating as the only female in the top 10 of her class.

After living in Los Angeles for four years, Kimbley returned to Monterey County, to live and work in the beautiful area where she grew up. Locally, she spent eight years in advertising for Clear Channel radio and Hearst Argyle Television. She then became the Media Director for Anda Burghardt Advertising, where she was the media planner for large hotels and resorts in the area, as well as local colleges and a healthcare facility. In February of 2009, Kimbley launched her own media agency, K. Craig Media, with the business mission of maintaining the highest integrity and commitment to her community. In her first year, Kimbley generated over a quarter-million dollars in business. Collectively, Kimbley has worked with more than 80 peninsula businesses to support their development plans with marketing counsel and knowledge of the local landscape.

Kimbley has balanced her progressive career with an unwavering commitment to Salinas. She is a Past President of the Salinas Jaycees, a service organization which - after she elevated the chapter's position to No. 1 in California - earned her national acclaim when nominated for the highest United States Jaycees honor, the Charles Kulp Award for Excellence in Leadership. She later served two terms as Vice President of the California Jaycees in Marketing and Membership. Kimbley is on the Salinas Rodeo Committee, and has held positions on the Board of Directors for the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monterey County and Heart & Sole 10K Race. Currently, she is involved with the sponsorship committee for the Salinas Valley Half Marathon, the Blind and Visually Impaired Center's annual fundraiser, is part of the inception of a new local non-profit organizational women's sports team for the Monterey Peninsula, and teaches finance classes to seniors at Gonzales High School. She is a leadership trainer to local boards of directors on fiscal management, community outreach, and proper meeting procedures. She is widely recognized by her organizations for her ability to mobilize resources and volunteers. Additionally, Kimbley is a graduate of Leadership Salinas Valley, and then returned in subsequent years to train the group on its Media and Public Relations class. She was also part of the team that developed and implemented the Mt. Toro Continuation High School Career Day, which launched into a multi-year successful event for the school. Kimbley also enjoys her memberships with the Monterey County Young Professionals Group and the Junior League of Monterey County where she has held chairperson positions with Impact and Project Development.

Kimbley's diverse sense of commitment to her community spans over her lifetime, showing a deep-seated passion and course for continued activism. Best known for her ability to motivate, sound judgment, direct approach, sense of humor and level-headed decision-making, Kimbley continues to move her business forward successfully, and maintains the highest integrity in her dedication to Salinas.