Linda Barnes, a long-time resident of Rock Island received the Community Caring Conference Leadership Award at the annual Community Caring Conference on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
She has served as the City of Rock Island’s Finance Director and Treasurer since December 2021. Linda began her career with the City of Rock Island in February 2001 and considers herself a career public servant.
Ms. Barnes holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois in Springfield and is also a graduate of St. Ambrose University where she earned a Bachelor’s in Elected Studies with majors in Accounting and Business Management.
Linda Barnes has served the Quad City community for many decades through various organizations. She was a member of Neighborhood Partners & Knowledge; a volunteer for the Center for Economic Progress Tax Preparation; secretary of the Rock Island-Milan High School Parent Teacher Student Association; served on the United Way Strategic Investment Panel and the Rock Island High School District Equity Committee. She currently serves as the President of Greenbush Neighbors and is Treasurer for the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
Additionally, in 2021, the Rock Island NAACP Branch selected Mrs. Barnes as the Woman of the Month who exemplifies leadership in the Rock Island Community. This selection was published in the Illinois NAACP July 2021 newsletter.
“I admire her hard work, exceptional leadership skills, and commitment to making our community a better place”, said Mayor Mike Thoms.