From 2003 to July 2008, Barnes was at the Center for American Progress, a think tank. She was executive vice president for policy at the center from 2005 to 2008. Barnes was involved in the launch of the center's Initiative on Faith and Public Policy.Michael A. Fletcher, Domestic Adviser May Play Greater Role Under Obama, Washington Post (November 25, 2008). She worked under CEO John D. Podesta, who later served as co-chairman of the Obama-Biden Transition Project.
