After completing undergraduate studies, he began counseling in therapeutic treatment practices in SCDC. In 2000 he served as the first director and formulated the program for the Urban League’s Columbia Fatherhood Engagement Initiative. In 2003 during his tenure as Vice President/Sumter City Executive of the Sumter branch of SC Community Bank, holdings grew 900% in eight years.

Richard, as the former Vice President of Strategy & Organizational Development at the South Carolina Center for Father and Families in SC, grew The Center along with its 6 organizations into a national Fatherhood beacon. With a statewide reach across the state of South Carolina, raised visibility, ensured resources for sustainable growth, created its curriculum blueprint, doubled services and reach, while building a network of support for men, fathers, and families. Richard provides extensive consultation to agencies nationally on fatherhood, the delivery of fatherhood & father-friendly services. He is the CEO of Barr Development Consortium, a holding company for BDI and Raising The Barr, a multi-level consultation firm that focuses on organizational and personal growth and development. Additionally, he is also a Senior Director at ICF international with a focus on matters of innovative strategies around growth and development, family formation, workforce and poverty solutions.

Richard has a unique ability for bringing people together and translating complex issues into simple, useful portions. He is drawn to working with people, and especially with men encouraging their growth and development and the recognition that as fathers they have an irreplaceable role to occupy. He shares his extensive knowledge of personal and organizational growth & development, family dynamics, leadership, economics &wealth, counseling, and community development across the country. He is often requested to communicate on matters such as dealing with adversity, community development, poverty, family dynamics, and males.

The State News Paper Top 20 under 40, Alpha Kappa Alpha Community Development Person of the Year, and expert panel member in the areas of finance, leadership, and the state of Black America. He is certified in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) trauma informed care and is federally recognized as a national expert in matters of poverty and economic development opportunities for families, fathers and communities.

Most importantly, Richard loves GOD and his family. He is the Lead-Minister/Teacher to the Bishopville Church of Christ. He is dedicated to the spiritual growth and development of the body of Christ. Richard believes it’s a privileged to be called to lift-up the Savior and edify the Saints.

He has a vision and a heartfelt desire to see people maximize their gifts and potential turn adversity into advantages and see families and communities in which he serves strengthened and transformed into purpose.