Bobby L. Barrett

Bobby L. Barrett (Kumeyaay)

Board Member

Blue Stone Strategy Group

Executive Director of Viejas Community Relations

Former Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians

Bobby L. Barrett faithfully served the Viejas tribal community on their Tribal Council for 10 years, three terms as Vice Chairman and two terms as Chairman.

In 2010, Chairman Barrett chose not to run for re-election and has assumed a new role as Executive Director of Viejas Community Relations. This marks the first time in nearly 20 years that Viejas Community Relations has had a tribal member at the helm. This demonstrates Mr. Barrett’s ongoing commitment to the Viejas tribal community, and the community’s trust in Mr. Barrett’s leadership capabilities.

Viejas Community Relations has been a vital link between the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and the greater San Diego County area for nearly two decades. The Kumeyaay Indians, whose ancestors welcomed explorer Juan Cabrillo to San Diego with open arms in 1542, continue their ancient traditions of hospitality and sharing. These traditions are manifest today through the consistently generous contributions – approximately $2 million annually – to a wide variety of charitable and community organizations throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties, and other areas of Southern California.

In his prior role as the full-time Tribal Chairman, Mr. Barrett focused on increasing tribal business revenues and planning and implementing long and short-term economic diversification goals. He worked to strengthen Viejas’ culture while continuing the tribe’s leadership position in Indian Country, and maintaining critical alliances at the state and national levels, in the American Indian and non-Indian communities alike.

To serve on the council, Mr. Barrett retired from a decade-long career in management at Viejas Casino, where he acquired management and leadership skills, as well as hands-on experience in employee relations and customer service, all of which added to his leadership roles on the Tribal Council and, now, at Viejas Community Relations. He is also a Problem Gambling counselor, certified by the California Council on Problem Gambling, which the Tribal Council has supported financially over several years.

He is a trained and able communicator in the areas of American Indian rights, gaming and culture. He believes the best way to secure the rights and status of the Viejas Band in the new millennium is by being proactive – anticipating challenges and opportunities and taking actions that integrate the will and desires of Viejas tribal members.

Aside from his role as chairman, Barrett also served as Chairman of the influential California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA), which was created to protect the tribal government gaming industry, and to create strategic alliances with a wide group of businesses and industries. CTBA, comprised of a select group of California’s largest and most politically active and philosophically progressive gaming tribes, provides lawmakers with information and counsel about all tribal issues and the gaming industry.

True to his conviction and compassion for others, Mr. Barrett founded The Bobby Barrett Foundation, which believes that all people are entitled to live with respect and dignity, and that the welfare of our communities as a whole can be improved by showing compassion and empathy for those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

In his spare time, Mr. Barrett finds gratification in helping those less fortunate and receives pleasure in being in the company of family and friends. He also enjoys golfing and is an avid reader.