Cliff Barber is Founder and CEO of Fillmore Linen Service with experience spanning management consulting, fund management, and community-focused entrepreneurship. Cliff has pioneered a business model that seamlessly integrates profit-generation with community impact. His Chicago-based linen service caters to the city's hospital networks while simultaneously unlocking the potential of an often-neglected local workforce. Previously, he was a partner at Chicago Rises Fund, an impact-investing fund dedicated to addressing systemic challenges such as violence reduction and wealth creation in some of the city's most underserved neighborhoods. He also served as Chief Strategy Officer for the Archdiocese of Chicago and Director of the Black Catholic Initiative.

Cliff’s introduction to the Alpha Course, a program aimed at exploring Christian faith and building connections, marked a turning point in his advocacy work. Inspired by its teachings, he extended its reach into the Cook County Jail, where he and his team facilitated weekly group sessions. These interactions offered participants hope, guidance, and tools for personal growth. After witnessing the revolving door of incarceration, he became an advocate for community led interventions that positively impact crime causation and Second Chances for those who are released from confinement.

In addition to his entrepreneurial and advocacy work, Cliff serves on the Alpha USA Board of Directors, contributing his insights to the organization’s mission of fostering faith and community connection. He also consults and lectures in various venues, sharing his experiences and expertise to inspire others and promote actionable solutions to pressing societal challenges. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, a General Course degree in economics from the London School of Economics and a B.S. in economics from Grinnell College.