Staff Spotlight: Carrie Barrett, Development Officer

Carrie Barrett’s commitment to the community is built on years of hands-on leadership and local advocacy. Having served as the director of New Castle Main Street, she played a key role in supporting local businesses and fostering a more connected downtown. This work sparked a passion for community-driven growth and carried into volunteer service with the Henry County Community Foundation.

In 2017, Carrie joined the Foundation board of directors.  During her term, she gained a unique perspective on both the mission and the people who make the work possible.

Now in her staff role since May of 2025, Carrie focuses on what she describes in the simplest terms: building connections.

“My hope is to help make community connections,” Carrie said. “Being able to work alongside people to give and invest in our community to create a brighter future for Henry County is what I’m most excited about.”

That passion for people is something Carrie feels every day at the Foundation. She describes it as a place filled with positivity. She shared, “The people I work with are just lovely. To continuously focus on bettering your community and celebrate those around you is a wonderful way to spend your day.”

One area she’s especially excited to talk about is the Choose Henry Flex Fund. For Carrie, it’s a powerful way to connect generosity with real impact.

“I want people to understand the connection between the dollars they give and the positive work it does in our little corner of the world,” she said. “The Choose Henry Flex Fund really makes that possible.”

Carrie’s passion for community hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was recently recognized as one of Henry County’s Greatest Community Leaders, an honor that reflects her long-standing dedication to making a difference.

Whether she’s connecting with donors, working alongside community partners, or simply sharing the story of what’s possible through generosity, Carrie brings energy, optimism, and a genuine love for Henry County to everything she does.