WS Chronicle

Linda Jackson Barnes, director of Mayor Allen Joines’ office, has been appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to a four-year term on the N.C. Human Relations Commission. Barnes was sworn in Sept. 26.

 The duties of the commission include promoting equal opportunity for all citizens, encouraging equal employment opportunities for all citizens, studying problems concerning human relations, and administering the provisions of the state Fair Housing Act. 

As the director of the mayor’s office, Barnes oversees the daily activities of the mayor’s staff and assists with formulating and implementing policies, programs and special projects. 

Before joining the mayor’s office in 2001, Barnes served for 23 years with the Hamilton County Sherriff’s Department in Chattanooga, Tenn., rising to the rank of lieutenant. She is a graduate of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Leadership Winston-Salem, Leadership Chattanooga, and many other specialized government schools. She is a life member of Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., past president of Winston-Salem Chapter of The Links Inc., and the board chair for the Bethesda Center for the Homeless. She also serves on the board of Family Services of Forsyth County and on the finance committee for the National Black Theatre Festival, and is active in a variety of other community organizations.

Barnes is married to Art Barnes. They are members of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church.