LifeWorks
Brett Barnes
introduction by Lion Robert Watson
LifeWorks goal is to build strong and resilient families
Speakers Bio: 
Brett Barnes, Director of Development & External Relations for LifeWorks, began his career in Development after having first established a successful career in music.
A native of San Antonio, TX, he received his formal music education at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as numerous prestigious training programs around the country.
He has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe singing opera, oratorio and choral music. After an intensive four years of traveling and singing, he decided to move to the administrative side of the arts in 1998. Mr. Barnes was appointed the Artistic Administrator of Austin Lyric Opera and Director of the Young Artist Training Program.
He began his development career in 2002 at Conspirare, one of the country’s premier choral arts groups, and helped move them from a $300,000 organization in 2002 to a million dollar performing arts group in 2006.
Currently, Mr. Barnes is the Director of Development and External Relations for LifeWorks, a social services agency that provides critical services for youth and families in need. He manages a diverse team of colleagues that is responsible for raising over $3.5M in revenue each year.
He is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Austin; an active member of the Austin Fundraising Professionals; he currently serves as Chair of the Austin Arts Commissioner appointed by Council Member Laura Morrison; completed a McBee Fellowship with the Austin Area Research Organization (AARO) in 2009 and is a cantor and soloist at St. Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin.
Featured Lunch Menu: BBQ Short ribs; mixed field green salad with assorted rolls and a featured daily dessert. Vegetarian meal or Grilled Chicken Caesar salad are available alternatives as well.
Please register by noon on Wednesday.
We order meals based on your reservations and must pay for them even if you do not show up. Please keep this in mind if your plans shift and cancel your reservation so we can adjust the headcount.
