Our Story: How Zuri Alliance Came to Be.

Zuri Alliance was founded by Travis Barnett, a seasoned professional with over 25 years in public works, dedicated to improving the way public agencies and school districts manage their facilities. Throughout his career, Travis faced the ongoing challenges of securing quality contractors, fair pricing, experienced employees, and streamlining project timelines. Recognizing the inefficiencies that delayed critical projects, he set out to find solutions that would not only meet the needs of the districts he served but also accelerate project completion through innovative funding strategies and the strategic use of public contract codes.

Driven by his success in expediting construction, securing funding, and optimizing procurement processes, Travis saw an opportunity to expand these benefits beyond the districts he worked for. This vision led to the creation of Zuri Alliance—a firm dedicated to helping public municipalities save time and money by expertly navigating the complexities of the Public Contract Code (PCC). Today, Zuri Alliance brings together a team of industry experts capable of handling all aspects of facilities management—from A to Z—ensuring efficiency, compliance, and cost-effective solutions for every client.

Our People

  • Founder & President

    With over 25 years of experience in K-12 facilities management, Travis Barnett is a recognized leader in the industry, known for his ability to streamline operations, leverage funding, and deliver large and small-scale projects efficiently. Throughout his career, Travis has overseen more than $300 million in projects, ranging from solar energy initiatives and CTE facility upgrades to complex construction procurement and energy management solutions and Facilities Master Planning.

    A graduate of the CASH Facilities Leadership Academy and an active member of the California Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH), Travis has been instrumental in helping school districts and public agencies navigate the complexities of public contract codes, secure funding, and expedite critical projects. His expertise in leveraging state and federal funding sources has allowed districts to maximize their resources while improving infrastructure and sustainability.

    Travis founded Zuri Alliance with the vision of providing expert facilities consulting services that help public agencies save time and money by simplifying procurement, improving project efficiency, and ensuring long-term facility success. His commitment to strategic problem-solving, cost-effective solutions, and client-centered service continues to make Zuri Alliance a trusted partner for organizations across California.

    cell: 916.899.8768

    office: 530.503.0800

    travis.barnett@zurialliance.com

  • Executive Director

    Heather has spent over 25 years working for and with TK-12 school districts, county offices of education, and other public agencies.  As a former Director of Facilities and Chief Business Official, she has been able to be a part of truly transformational initiatives for the school districts she worked at.  As a financial and facilities consultant, she has helped numerous agencies throughout the State with strategic planning and implementation of construction programs and projects.  Heather is a Certified Educational Facilities Planner, a Certified Chief Business Official, holds a Class B Contractor's Licence, and has a Bachelor's with a major in Human Resource Management.  She specializes in Strategic Planning, Developer Negotiations, Contracts and Program Efficiencies.  Some of Heather's most key accomplishments are:

    • Recorded over $100 million in negotiated developer agreements

    • Master planned with school districts, fire districts, and parks districts to identify and board approve over $2 billion dollars in facility needs

    • Assisted school districts and fire districts with over $500 million in bond measure planning or tax measure planning

    • Managed over $600 million in public construction projects

    • Handled procurement and contracting both for public agencies and for general contractors utilizing all methods including California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) and U.S. General Services Administration Multiple Award Schedule (GSA).

    • Worked through school district budget reductions, implemented school consolidations and grade reconfigurations.

    530.305.6006

    heather@zurialliance.com

  • Account Coordinator

    Terrena Tilford brings a wealth of experience in parks and recreation management, specializing in financial oversight, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. As an Account Coordinator for Zuri Alliance, she plays a vital role in client relations, contract management, and project coordination, ensuring seamless execution of facility-related initiatives.

    Her background includes extensive work with Landscape and Lighting Assessment District (LLAD) Advisory Committees, where she has contributed to budget review, resource allocation, and strategic planning. She has a deep understanding of operational workflows, allowing her to optimize processes and enhance service delivery for public agencies.

    With expertise in project management and contract administration, Terrena is well-versed in state and federal regulations, including the Public Contract Code (PCC). Her ability to navigate compliance requirements ensures that projects align with industry standards and legal frameworks.

    At Zuri Alliance, Terrena’s commitment to efficiency, accuracy, and client-focused solutions strengthens the team’s ability to deliver high-quality consulting services.

    530.313.3487

    terrena.tilford@zurialliance.com