Billie F. Barnes
Billie F. Barnes
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.