2025 Person of the Year: Tim Barnhart

Tim Barnhart’s connection to Barber National Institute goes back decades. His support began in the early 1990s, attending his first Barber Christmas Ball in 1992 and continuing his commitment ever since. Over the years, he has participated in Shillelagh Golf Tournaments and has always stepped in to lend a hand—whether through fundraising efforts, volunteering for Read Across America, or donating labor and equipment to support the Barber Beast on the Bay. Today, he sits on Barber National Institute's board of directors and helps lead the organization to serve for generations to come.

A lifelong Erie native, Tim’s commitment to community service began in his youth as a Boy Scout alongside the Barbers. He continues to carry those values forward today as a founding member of Barnhart Gives, a nonprofit created to support children’s charities across the region—including ongoing support for Barber National Institute. The organization’s impact has touched countless lives, including many served by Barber National Institute programs.

Professionally, Tim serves as Chief Financial Officer of Barnhart Group, Inc., a company he co-founded with his brother Bryan in 2003. He also is co-owner and CFO at TRUX. LLC in Wattsburg. A graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School and Penn State University, Tim has spent his career building businesses that support the transportation and logistics industries and rooting these organizations —grounded in a mission of service, whether to the customer, each other, or the community.

In addition to his support of Barber National Institute, Tim has dedicated over 25 years to Masonic and Shrine service. He is the Treasurer of the Zem Zem Shrine Center, a Life Member since 1998, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors for Shriners Children’s Erie. His leadership across numerous committees and boards has helped shape and sustain critical services for children and families.

Whether it’s through his work, his charitable efforts, or his time and energy, Tim leads with the mission of service to others.