JENNIFER BARNES

Jennifer Barnes is the CEO of Optima Office, Inc, which provides fractional CFO, Controller, Bookkeeping and HR services to businesses.

Between 2004 - 2012, Barnes was a Controller or Director of Accounting for numerous companies and non-profits throughout San Diego prior to starting her first company.

Barnes won the top 40 under 40 business leaders in San Diego County and in 2017, named the Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. In that same year, Barnes was a semi-finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year and earned the title of being the Most Influential Female Leader by the Connected Women of Influence organization.

Barnes' first company, Pro Back Office was the 5th fastest growing company in San Diego in 2016 and made the Inc 5000 in 2017 and 2018. She grew the firm in just six years to 88 employees and $6.5 million in revenue. Barnes has a proven track record and looks forward to making Optima her most successful venture yet.

Barnes has sat on many boards in her career and currently sits on the board of Presidio Property Trust, The Better Business Bureau and Junior Achievement. She volunteers her time at SDSU by participating in the mentor program and as a judge in various student competitions. She is currently a member of Rotary 33, Vistage International, ACG, Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), Young Executives Council and Social Venture Partners.

Barnes graduated with a Finance and Marketing degree from the University of Arizona, earned an MBA from San Diego State University and completed the Becker CPA coursework and testing.

Barnes is tenacious, authentic and kind. Work life balance is crucial, so she is adamant that her team has a flexible, caring and supportive place to work - providing opportunities to her amazing employees and helping small businesses grow is what keeps her motivated.

Barnes is married, has seven nieces and nephews, loves spending time with friends and family and enjoys being outside, especially jogging on the beach or speeding down the mountain on a snowboard.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-barnes-mba-7699504/