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
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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.Contact
Mobile: 916.899.8768
Office: 530.503.0800
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Vice President
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.
Certifications, Accolades, and Professional Affiliations
California Chief Business Official Certification, California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) - 2020
California Contractor's License, Class "B" - 2021
CBO Mentor Program, California's Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistant Team (FCMAT) - 2020
Bachelor's of Science, Human Resource Management - 2019
Certified Educational Facilities Planner, UC Riverside - 2006
Guest Instructor, California's Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) School Facilities Leadership Academy - 2015-2025
CBO Coaching and Induction Program, California's Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistant Team (FCMAT) - 2024
CBO Mentor Program, California's Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistant Team (FCMAT) - 2020
Mentor, California's Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) School Facilities Leadership Academy - 2017-2019
Vice Chair Advocacy Committee, California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) 2023-2024
Board of Directors, California's Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) - 2014-2015
Annual Conference Committee Section Co-Chair, California's Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) - 2011-2016
Legislative Committee Member, California's Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) - 2012-2014
Contact
Mobile: 530.305.6006
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Project Coordinator
Haley Skipper serves as Project Coordinator for Zuri Alliance, where she provides critical operational and administrative support to the executive team. With several years of experience as an Executive Administrative Assistant, Haley brings a strong foundation in office management, client coordination, scheduling, and workflow organization.
Known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and calm under pressure, Haley ensures that day-to-day operations run seamlessly. She assists with client communications, project coordination, and logistical support for meetings, site visits, and conferences. Her ability to prioritize tasks and maintain clarity across multiple active projects makes her an invaluable resource to both internal staff and external partners.
Haley’s proactive approach and strong communication skills help Zuri Alliance deliver the high standard of service and responsiveness that clients have come to expect. She plays an essential role in supporting the team’s mission to provide thoughtful, transparent, and dependable facilities consulting services to public agencies across California.
Contact
Mobile: 530.786.9580
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Operations Specialist
After a 36 year career in the United States Army, Richard brings a high level of team leadership and project assistance to Zuri Alliance. His general maintenance knowledge and skills are essential to ensuring that the day to day operations and site conditions are on par with District and Zuri standards. Richard performs quality control and regular audits of contracted sites with an eye for detail and a penchant for anticipating upcoming needs.
Contact