Meet our New Staff Member: Erin Barnett

KCF is thrilled to welcome Erin Barnett as our new Director of Programs! She will oversee KCF's granting, assist with community partner programming, and co-advise KCF's Youth Advisory Council.

Erin brings a strong background in higher education, with expertise in student development, strategic planning, program management, assessment, and compliance. She holds a B.A. in history from the University of Kentucky and an MFA in creative writing and literary arts from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

After more than three years in a remote corporate role, Erin was ready to reconnect with the community she’s called home for over a decade. “I realized I wasn’t fully living my values and needed a stronger connection to my community,” she shared. “I’m passionate about education, collaboration, and the belief that we should leave every place better than we found. KCF is the perfect fit—I get to build meaningful relationships with local organizations, partner with our Youth Advisory Council, and support essential grant and scholarship initiatives that make a real difference.”

We’re excited to have Erin working with KCF to support our community!