Kate Barker

Kate Barker currently serves as the Assistant Director of Strategy and Communications at the University of Michigan's Shared Services Center since June 2023. With extensive experience in the field, Kate has held various roles at Local Orbit, including Product Manager and Community Manager since December 2012. Additionally, Kate has been a Part-Time Faculty member at Washtenaw Community College, teaching photography courses since January 2005, and previously worked as a Photography Instructor at the Chelsea Center for the Arts from 2011 to 2013. Prior positions at the University of Michigan Shared Services include Learning and Communications Manager from February 2017 to June 2023. Kate’s background in retail spans several roles at Whole Foods Market from 2005 to 2012, culminating in responsibilities as Administrative Assistant, Specialty Team Leader, Specialty Associate Team Leader, and Beer Buyer. Academic qualifications include an MFA in Photography from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Photography from Eastern Michigan University.