Barbara McKenna

Barbara McKenna has over 30 years of experience in communications and journalism. Barbara is currently serving as the Chief of Strategic Communications at the Learning Policy Institute since 2023. Prior to that, they worked as the Director of Strategic Communications and Director of Media Relations at the same institute. Barbara has also held positions such as Board Member and Community Advisory Board Member at the Education Writers Association and Director of Public Outreach at WestEd/REL West. Barbara McKenna has extensive experience in developing communication strategies, managing crisis communications, and organizing events. Barbara has also worked as a Communications Director at the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education and the Center for Research on Education, Diversity & Excellence, UCSC. Earlier in their career, they worked as a Public Information Officer at UC Santa Cruz and gained journalism experience at various media organizations including the Santa Cruz Sentinel, The Sun and The Express, and the Washington Post.

Barbara McKenna has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in English from Oberlin College. From 2005 to 2014, they attended Stanford Continuing Studies, where they focused on business, design, communications, and photography. In 2013, they obtained a certification in Human Resources Management and Services from the Stanford Manager Academy.