Kristin Barker is the Vice President of Workforce Solutions at the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO), leading the impactful BETTER WORK initiative to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and generate economic mobility. Guided by a deep commitment to servant leadership, she expands the program’s reach by building and scaling strategic collaborations that enable GCO to better serve individuals seeking meaningful employment and sustainable pathways out of poverty.

Kristin values open, honest communication to form strong relationships and is committed to both personal and professional growth. She brings a strategic, results-driven approach to planning and goal-setting and is motivated by a belief in helping others reach their full potential. Whether designing programs, managing budgets, teaching, or mentoring, she focuses on guiding, supporting, and uplifting others.

Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in marketing from Columbus State University. She is a certified Jobs for Life Facilitator and brings over 14 years of experience as a Marketing Manager and Senior Operations Manager for Columbus State University’s Continuing & Professional Education department. Since 2018, she has partnered with GCO in developing the BETTER WORK model.

Passionate about economic mobility and poverty reduction, Kristin believes meaningful progress happens when businesses, nonprofits, schools, and civic leaders work together. Her commitment to volunteerism includes service with the Kindergarten Readiness program and leadership roles with the Georgia Adult Education Association, the Chattahoochee Valley Poverty Reduction Coalition, and the Mayor’s Commission on Reentry.

Recent speaking engagements 

• Small Business Bootcamp, hosted by the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce 
• Second Chance Month Panelist, hosted by the Georgia Department of Corrections 
• True Charity Summit Speaker, “Growing an Integrated Network for Community Transformation”