MLK Leadership Awards
Friday, January 26, 2024
Thank you to our speakers, attendees, and presenting sponsors. Congratulations to our honorees for their commitment and service to nondiscrimination.
Meet the Honorees
Community Leadership Award
Billie F. Barnes
Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development, County of Bucks
Billie F. Barnes joined the County of Bucks in July of 2020 as Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development after transitioning from serving as Director of the Bucks County Workforce Development Board. As the Executive Director, Ms. Barnes oversees the executive management of the department, including the strategic development and implementation of department-wide, long-term planning of all administrative, fiscal, and programmatic functions. Ms. Barnes is responsible for providing strategic direction and leading collaborative efforts tailored to strengthen the alignment of Bucks County’s employment and training systems to meet industry workforce needs.
Possessing 20 years of experience leading public workforce systems in Philadelphia and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Ms. Barnes has demonstrated a proven ability to develop and manage complex, cross-sector partnerships; foster external relationships with community-based organizations; and successfully manage federally-funded programming for workforce Boards.
Before returning to Bucks County, Ms. Barnes served four years as a District of Columbia government workforce development senior manager and subject matter expert in support of District residents, employers, training providers, institutions of higher learning, and government stakeholders. During her tenure, her efforts promoted the development of stronger pipelines to family-sustaining careers for disadvantaged populations, particularly the District's most vulnerable residents.
Ms. Barnes’ vast, unique, and balanced mix of skills features 26 years of workforce development experience and two decades of successfully fostering and managing relationships with employers and maintaining sound and comprehensive oversight of organizations charged with providing direct services to Pennsylvania jobseekers.
Ms. Barnes received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University and a Master’s degree in counseling from Widener University.
Corporate Leadership Award
K. Bernard Tynes
Chief Experience & Impact Officer, Penn Community Bank
As Chief Experience & Impact Officer (CXIO) at Penn Community Bank, K. Bernard Tynes is one of the area’s youngest executives and is changing the face of financial services leadership in the Philadelphia region. In his role, he has worked tirelessly to advance the $2.6-billion institution’s data-driven marketing strategy and award-winning brand, expanding its reach and impact, and helping to guide the bank’s organic growth in Philadelphia, Montgomery and Bucks counties, and the Lehigh Valley.
A champion for expanded access to banking and lending options for diverse communities, he has overseen the creation and implementation of numerous products and services to address the needs of low- to moderate-income and historically under-served individuals and families. Focused on building thriving communities, Mr. Tynes also leads the bank’s community investment and philanthropic strategy, serving as Executive Director of the Penn Community Bank Foundation which contributes more than $1,000,000 annually to nonprofits across region.
As a respected voice in the industry and community, he shares his talents with local, state, and national groups, including as a director of the Pennsylvania Banker’s Association, member of the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Council, member of the American Bankers Association’s Communications Council, director of the United Way of Bucks County, and director of Bucks County Community College Foundation.
Humanitarian Leadership Award
Erin A. Lukoss
Executive Director and CEO, Bucks County Opportunity Council
Erin A. Lukoss is the Executive Director and CEO of the Bucks County Opportunity Council , located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Ms. Lukoss started at the agency more than 20 years ago as a self-sufficiency coach, helping to address basic needs while moving families out of poverty. Over the years she has held several leadership roles before being named CEO in 2015. Since then, Ms. Lukoss has grown the agency’s footprint by adding new community centers, partnering with nonprofit organizations, and increasing the agency’s budget over 200%.
With more than 25 years in human services and nonprofit management, Ms. Lukoss is an experienced community leader, often bringing partners to the table to tackle community-wide issues. She has expertise in program development, fundraising, and fund management.
Ms. Lukoss is vice chair of the board of directors for Bucks County Workforce Development, a member of the board of directors for PA Community Action Association, and is the vice chair of the Housing Continuum of Care in Bucks County. She is a graduate of Lock Haven University and has a MS in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University. Ms. Lukoss received the “Women Who Make a Difference” Award in 2015, was named an Emerging Leader in 2016, and was listed on the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Power 100 in 2022. Ms. Lukoss lives in Bucks County with her husband of 27 years, Erik, and their two children, Mara and Dean.
