Barton Bailey works as the PRIDE Center Director at the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation (CBWF). The CBWF established the PRIDE Center to focus specifically on the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in order to promote education, leadership, diversity, wellness, and inclusivity to reach the 12 counties of the Coastal Bend. Barton focuses on outreach, communication, and donor development as he works to collaborate with community partners to continue the PRIDE Center’s positive momentum in the community.
Previously, Barton worked for the City of Corpus Christi as the Homeless & Housing Administrator. In that role, he focused on fair housing rights for LGBTQ+ persons experiencing discrimination in rental situations. He worked to bring awareness to the struggles of being gay and transgender while homeless. And, he administered and secured more than $1.25M in grant awards. As Senior Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church (from 2013 to 2019), Barton focused on community relations and donor development, where he motivated 1,800 members to focus on issues in our community and led discussions about the church’s supportive role of LGBT persons. Barton organized an AIDS Memorial Service with CBWF, counseled LGBTQ+ adults and youth, and officiated at LGBTQ+ funeral services, as well. He has expertise in grant writing, community connections, and program development.
Barton received his Master of Divinity degree from Texas Christian University and his Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Texas A&M University – College Station. Barton was born and raised in Corpus Christi. He is a hometown boy who loves his city and wants to help the LGBT+ community continue to grow.