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BARBARA PITTS RILEY

Barbara Pitts Riley is an accomplished individual with an extensive background in human services, community development, and nonprofit organization analysis and development. She currently serves as the proprietor of Pitts Riley Group, LLC, which has locations in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and California. In addition to her role as a Managing Partner of Bridging the Gaps of Arkansas, Ms. Pitts Riley has an impressive educational and professional history:

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Grambling State University. Graduate of the University of Central Arkansas Community Development Institute in Conway, Arkansas. Fannie Mae Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Certification in Leadership and Management in Community-Based Development from the Development Training Institute (DTI) in Baltimore, Maryland. Graduate of the Interdenominational Theological Gammon Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. Fulbright Scholar Graduate from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.

Professional Experience: Ms. Pitts Riley has over thirty years of experience in human services and community development. She possesses expertise in objective reviews, problem identification, initiating change, executive assistance, regulatory compliance, employee, team, and agency assessments, performance management, and related skills in nonprofit organization analysis and development.

Community Involvement and Leadership Roles: Member of various organizations and committees, including Capital Campaign United Way Basic Needs Committee, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Junior League International, and the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Humanities Council. Founding Member of African American Voices with the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council. An ordained Minister/Pastor. Served on several boards, including the Arkansas DHS Adoption Coalition, Ozan-Inghram/Iron Mountain Neighborhood Development Corporation, Miller Bowie Literacy Council, Habitat for Humanity, and as Chair for the Housing Authority Texarkana, Texas.

Awards and Recognitions: Barbara Ann Pitts Riley has received numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding contributions to her field, including honors from Cambridge Who’s Who, the Fannie Mae Foundation Fellowship to the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and the Arkansas Governor Volunteer Excellence Award, among others. Personal Achievements: Ms. Pitts Riley is particularly proud of her life-saving kidney transplant on Juneteenth 2020 and her marriage to Archbishop Johnny Myles Riley, Jr. She also acknowledges the support of her family, friends, and the Bridging the Gap Family.

Special Recognition: Barbara Ann Pitts Riley expresses gratitude for being recognized and celebrated by Pillars and Plants, Incorporated, and Ms. LaToyia Hawkins Williams. Barbara Ann Pitts Riley's extensive experience, education, and dedication to community development have made her a highly respected figure in her field, and she continues to make a significant impact through her work and contributions to various organizations and causes.