883 Lakeport Boulevard
Lakeport, CA 95453
707-263-6838
mgrbarnes@ucanr.edu
Also in:
Mendocino County
Biography
Matthew Barnes joined UC ANR on May 1st as the UCCE Area Director for Lake and Mendocino Counties. Dedicated to enhancing UCCE's outreach and research initiatives, Matthew focuses on sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship across both counties. He brings over 20 years of experience in developing programs tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of rural communities.
Matthew strives to build strong, collaborative relationships with the communities in Lake and Mendocino Counties. By serving as a bridge between UCCE's esteemed research advisors, and the needs and goals of our local residents, he hopes to address local needs, support economic growth, and extend the reach of UCCE's educational efforts.
Having spent most of his life in Lake County, CA, where he now raises his two children aged 5 and 14, Matthew is deeply connected to the community he serves. He earned his bachelor's degree in social work from Cal Poly Humboldt, which propelled him into a career as a human services administrator specializing in the revitalization of underserved and Indigenous communities. Prior to joining UC ANR, he created best practice, client service programs and led organizational development projects throughout Northern California.
Matthew is based in Lakeport, CA, and can be reached at mgrbarnes@ucanr.edu.