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Courtney joins the organization as Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs. Barnes most recently served as the Vice President of Communications for Berni Consulting where she developed creative and results-oriented communications strategies for clients and focused on new business development.

Prior to her time with Berni Consulting, Courtney served as the Chief Communications Officer for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). As a member of SWBNO’s executive team, she focused on both internal and external communications, public relations and intergovernmental affairs. Courtney also served as SWBNO’s Press Secretary where she transformed relationships with key members of the media, which resulted in more in-depth news stories and an increased trust from the media in the organization’s commitment to transparency.

Courtney also served in the Office of Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu as a Communications Manager and oversaw communications for a diverse portfolio of city departments including the New Orleans Health Department, Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and the New Orleans Recreation Department.

Courtney graduated from Florida A&M University with a B.S. in Journalism and a concentration in Public Relations.