Ryan Barrera, Fort Worth, was appointed chief advancement officer for Camp Fire First Texas. The Fort Worth-based nonprofit provides children and adolescents with outdoor learning programs and offers workforce development programs for the involved educators.

As CAO, he will oversee fund development activities, community engagement and volunteer management for the growing organization. He previously held development positions with The Salvation Army of North Texas, Canine Companions for Independence, Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth and Texas Health Resources Foundation. He also is active in the Rotary Club of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Metro Chapter Association of Fundraising Professionals and the UNT Alumni Association.

“I had two adjunct professors at UNT that were instrumental in showing me that a career in the nonprofit sector could be a viable route for me,” he says. “They are friends and mentors to this day. From my first nonprofit job opportunity, I have had the wonderful privilege of working with many outstanding professionals that have all had a great impact on my professional and personal growth. I aim to continue that growth in this exciting, new role at Camp Fire and to advance the work of this important mission for many years to come.”