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Technology, Information and Media
Financial Services
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Erin Barnes

Strategic Leader in Sustainability, Social Impact & Employee Wellbeing | Driving Culture, Engagement, & Communications

About me

I'm a strategic leader who transforms organizational priorities—sustainability, social impact, employee wellbeing—into programs that drive measurable change. For over a decade at global companies including Bloomberg, Columbia University and Goldman Sachs, I've turned ambitious goals into meaningful action—building programs that advance sustainability, strengthen culture, and enhance employee wellbeing. I bring a unique combination of expertise across ESG strategy, employee engagement, and strategic communications. I'm a utility player who thrives on cross-functional collaboration and understands how these areas reinforce each other—which allows me to build sustainability programs that connect to business goals and wellbeing programs that employees actively participate in. Whether designing wellness programs, mobilizing employee sustainability champions, or advancing ESG reporting frameworks, I focus on initiatives that deliver both engagement and results—embedding sustainability and wellbeing into operations, building resilient cultures, and communicating with clarity to inspire action. I bring deep expertise in ESG reporting, employee engagement, and strategic communications—backed by experience managing multi-million dollar budgets and programs spanning 70+ countries. Known for positive energy, authenticity, and a collaborative spirit, I excel at connecting strategy to execution, partnering with organizations to drive measurable impact while building environments where people and culture thrive. I'm currently exploring senior leadership opportunities—including full-time roles, consulting engagements, and project-based partnerships—with purpose-led organizations at the intersection of sustainability, social impact, and employee experience.

Jurisdiction

United States

Experience

Seniority LevelDirector
Years of Experience20+ years
Current StatusActive
Director, Global Sustainability
2016 - 2025

Sustainability and communications leader responsible for advancing the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities across business operations and engaging employees and stakeholders in sustainability initiatives. Oversaw ESG reporting, stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and high-impact initiatives spanning Finance & Administration, Corporate Communications, Workplace Operations, and the Chairman's Office. Spearheaded Bloomberg's ESG reporting strategy in alignment with voluntary frameworks and in preparation for compliance with regulations and mandatory frameworks. Partnered across business units and functions to embed ESG principles into operations, policies, and decision-making processes. Directed climate scenario analysis, research and benchmarking, and sustainability consulting projects that improved transparency, performance, and accountability. Cultivated 20+ high-impact partnerships and corporate memberships with NGOs and industry alliances to advance shared sustainability and social impact goals. Designed and led global employee engagement campaigns - such as Earth Day, 'Know Where to Throw,' and 'Travel Smarter' - in partnership with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and NGOs to promote sustainability and wellness across 20+ offices. Mobilized 120+ global employee champions (‘Sustainability Squad’) and launched the Social Ambassador program, to embed sustainable practices and connect employees to company values. Developed creative, action-driven communications across multiple channels to deepen engagement.

Head of Wellness, Global Benefits
2011 - 2016

Team leader responsible for developing and driving forward the global benefits and wellbeing strategy and translating that strategy into operational execution. Managed $6M+ budget and multidisciplinary team overseeing wellness vendors, programs and benefits—including on-site centers, coaching, ergonomics, mental health, work-life, and EAP—ensuring compliance and optimal delivery. Implemented ergonomic and inclusive workplace features (sit-stand desks, mother's rooms) and oversaw capital projects including a state-of-the-art health center and dedicated wellness rooms. Developed scalable global wellness solutions, including a compliance technology for CPR & AED, a re-engineered ergonomics program serving 70+ countries, and the firm’s first wellness app to boost engagement. Designed and launched Health Track, the firm’s first wellness incentive program, achieving ~83% participation among 9,000 U.S. employees through data-driven, cost-effective engagement strategies. Launched Parent Transition Coaching program, manager training, and toolkits with Inclusion team, reducing post-parental leave attrition.

Associate Director, Office of Work/Life
2008 - 2011

Leader in a small, emerging department charged with creating and promoting a more inclusive, supportive employee experience for 30,000 faculty, researchers, staff, and students. Integrated the work/life mission into the culture through presentations, events, and committee leadership; launched the first website and communications strategy, boosting engagement 50%. Designed and managed key lifecycle programs and policies including breastfeeding support, back-up childcare, and flexible work policy. Advised leadership and managers on workplace flexibility and return-to-work support. Oversaw vendor partnerships, a 1.8M budget, and performance metrics.

Senior Analyst, Global Wellness
2003 - 2008

Designed and managed wellness and engagement programs and led strategic communication efforts for Goldman Sachs through the ‘GS Wellness Exchange, enhancing employee well-being and culture. Chaired the U.S. Wellness Subcommittee and Global Communications Team, overseeing firm-wide wellness programs, events, and marketing, including wellness fairs with 1,000+ attendees that drove increased engagement. Developed and delivered training for new hires, wellness vendors, and firm-wide orientation. Contributed to recognition efforts leading to national workplace awards (e.g., Working Mother 100 Best and Fortune 100 Best lists). Supported the development and delivery of employee lifecycle through programs like Maternity Mentoring and elder care resources.

Educations

Masters of Strategic CommunicationsColumbia University
NaN - Present
Masters of KinesiologyCalifornia State University Northridge
NaN - Present
Degree of PsychologyUniversity of California Santa Barbara
NaN - Present

Skills

Core skills0
Languages2

Languages

English
Italian