Marion Suitor Barnes

Marion Suitor Barnes is a seasoned professional in public affairs and communications, currently serving as the Public Affairs Manager for the City of Eugene since May 2023. Prior to this, Marion held the position of Director of Communications and Outreach at the Oregon Early Learning Division and was the Director of Marketing and Communications at Western Oregon University. Marion also has experience as an adjunct instructor at Chemeketa Community College, teaching courses on Generation Z and grammar. As the former CEO and CMO of Myriad Cake Design, Marion successfully grew the business significantly during nearly two decades of leadership. Additional roles include content specialist at BKA Content, creative team member at 237 Marketing + Web, and various editorial positions at the Statesman Journal, where Marion led the creation of Willamette Woman magazine. Marion holds a Master's degree in Journalism with a focus on strategic communications from the University of Oregon and a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University.