Chris Barry is an 
accomplished and respected business leader with extensive experience across the private, public and “for purpose” sectors in management, business, marketing, media, communications and fundraising. Chris is networked across the Canberra community and has a passion for creating, developing and implementing great ideas to grow business. He combines his desire to create positive social outcomes with his business skills, innovative approach and experience negotiating, influencing and building relationships to deliver positive outcomes with an evidence-based approach.
Chris enjoys tackling complex issues and delivering practical and effective outcomes. Most recently, Chris developed ongoing sustainability for vital programs at a large and diverse social enterprise, Communities@Work. Chris implemented strategies to diversify and grow income sources to include fundraising as well as entrepreneurial and innovative activities, social ventures and mutually beneficial partnerships. He developed workplace giving, seasonal campaigns, and a regular giving program, raising over $1.1 million between August 2012 and December 2016.
Chris also developed a bequest pipeline of more than $600,000 and managed a partnership with St Vincent de Paul Canberra/Goulburn to develop and run the Canberra Community Sleepout, a signature fundraising event that raised over $170,000 for homelessness services in the Canberra region, with 1,608 people “sleeping out”. Chris also led the creation and launch of the “Best Dressed Store”, a social venture that produces profit that is used to purchase food and essential items for Communities@Work’s community pantries. From its launch in November 2014 until December 2016, this venture has raised over $200,000.
During the GFC, Chris drove 65% revenue growth in the ACT region of Australia’s leading management association.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University and postgraduate qualifications in Project Management.
