BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Aera Energy President and CEO Christina Sistrunk is officially retiring on Oct. 1, and on Wednesday, the community came out to celebrate her contributions to the California company.

Sistrunk was celebrated with a drive-by parade by members of the community and the company. Aera said her contributions to the industry and to the community have been above and beyond.

In a video announcement, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh officially declared Sept. 16 Christina Sistrunk Day.

Sistrunk has been working in the industry for close to four decades and she has also worked on five continents. She says she was very excited to join Aera because they have been known as a trailblazer and even though she is sad to leave the company, she is very excited for the next stage of her life.

"I can't think of any role or any place where I'd want to finish my career other than right here. This organization is fantastic, this community is amazing and my husband and I just really enjoyed our time here in Bakersfield," Sistrunk told 23ABC.

Sistrunk will be seceded by incoming CEO Erik Bartsch who said he knows he has some big shoes to fill and he is looking to forward to continuing Sistrunk's legacy.

"Aera is a tremendous company and what I've learned in the three months since I've been here is that these are people that are really driven by a lot of pride. Ya know, much like everyone else here in the valley," Bartsch said. "It's not just about a paycheck it's about making a difference."