Susan Barnes (Affiliate)
Susan Barnes is an innovative economic development professional with more than 20 years of experience working with the Cities of Palo Alto, San Jose, Redwood City and Hayward. She has extensive experience in workforce development, the formation and management of business improvement districts, and revolving loan fund management. Most recently, she worked with the Bay Area Entrepreneur Center hosted by Skyline College. She has also been an active member of the Silicon Valley Workforce Investment Board and past president of the Silicon Valley Economic Development Alliance and California Association of Enterprise Zones. In 2009, the Silicon Valley Business Journal named her one of 100 Women of Influence in the Silicon Valley.
Although born and raised in the Bay Area, Susan spent several years in South Dakota working for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, was Director of the Governor's Minority Business Development Office and the South Dakota State Department of Social Services. Committed to business development and success, she has also been a board member of American Indians in Business. She has a Bachelor's and Master's degree from the University of California at Berkeley.