Jared Barnett, Slingshot Memphis
When Jared Barnett first envisioned his career, the nonprofit sector wasn’t on his radar. Fresh out of college, he joined a management consulting firm, working with large corporations and building a toolkit of strategy, problem-solving, and data analysis skills. His career took a surprising turn when he spent several years in Africa, first in South Africa and then in Ghana, helping launch and grow businesses in challenging environments. The experience taught him adaptability, resourcefulness, and the value of building solutions that fit the realities on the ground.
On Episode #33 of Just Bluffin’, Jared Barnett talks about his unlikely path from corporate consulting to leading a Memphis nonprofit that’s transforming how the city fights poverty.
In 2018, Jared Barnett moved to Memphis for a role with an agriculture technology startup. The fit wasn’t right, but the city was. “For the first time in my career, I looked for a job based on location, not the role,” he recalls. Memphis quickly felt like home for him, his wife, and their six children. Through a former consulting connection, he learned about Slingshot Memphis. Initially reluctant to join the nonprofit sector, he ultimately embraced the role of CEO, drawn by the opportunity to blend his business mindset with a mission-driven focus.
Today, Jared leads Slingshot’s work to make poverty-fighting more effective through rigorous analytics and evidence-based practices. His team partners with nonprofits, funders, and city leaders to identify what’s working, measure impact, and direct resources where they can do the most good. He’s especially proud of the Memphis Works project, which uncovered 11 major roadblocks preventing people in poverty from accessing living-wage jobs. The findings have already influenced city policy, including Mayor Young’s transition plans. “We’re not just treating symptoms—we’re getting to the root causes,” Jared says.
One of his favorite moments came during Slingshot’s first Impact Awards, where over 450 people gathered to celebrate the city’s most effective nonprofits. “The energy in that room was incredible,” he recalls. “It shifted the narrative from what’s wrong with Memphis to what’s working.” For Jared, the event was more than a recognition ceremony—it was proof that data and collaboration can inspire a community-wide movement.
Beyond the research and partnerships, Jared emphasizes that Slingshot’s work is about amplifying the voices of people living in poverty. The team often interviews community members directly, gathering stories that bring the data to life. “Numbers alone can’t drive change,” Jared explains. “But when you combine evidence with human experience, that’s when funders, policymakers, and nonprofits really listen.” It’s this balance—rigor and empathy—that guides Slingshot’s approach and keeps Jared grounded in the organization’s mission.
When asked about his favorite Memphis memory, Jared doesn’t hesitate. It’s not a professional milestone but a personal one: buying a home where his kids feel comfortable inviting friends over. “Seeing my kids laughing and connecting with friends in our home—that’s when I knew Memphis was the right place for us,” he says. The city’s diversity, warmth, and spirit of possibility have made it the place his family can truly put down roots.
Listen to our full conversation Jared’s story on the Just Bluffin’ podcast.
