Meet BARR’s New Director of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships

The BARR Advisory team would like to officially welcome its new director of marketing and strategic partnerships: Michelle Smith, M.A. With nearly a decade of marketing experience under her belt, Smith will lead the company’s integrated marketing and communications strategy, manage global brand awareness, and establish strategic partnerships as a pathway to new business. 

As for what attracted her to the cybersecurity auditing industry, Smith admits the frequency of data breaches and cyber risk issues in the news was a factor. 

“The advancement of technology, information-sharing and influx of data elevate our society in so many ways,” she says, “But with that comes certain vulnerabilities. I am thrilled to be part of a company like BARR that provides cybersecurity tools our clients need to protect themselves and their customers. I like knowing we are working to create a world in which technological advances can be enjoyed by all without the fear of cyber threats.”

What drew Smith to BARR, specifically, was the culture. 

“It’s not about checking something off a list at BARR,” she said. “It’s about striving to ensure clients are confident in their security and compliance so they can focus on their business goals.”

She also appreciates how employee-focused BARR is. 

“This allows associates to be fully client-focused because we feel valued as members of the team, and are treated as such. To quote Simon Sinek, ‘Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.’ This rings true at BARR.”

Smith credits her family with motivating her every day. 

“As cliche as it sounds, the unconditional love of my family is what inspires me,” she said. “They make me want to be the best version of myself and give 100 percent in everything I do. I’m also motivated by the gratitude I feel for how fortunate I am. I have been blessed with so many gifts and amazing opportunities.”

One opportunity she’s most proud of is obtaining her master’s degree. 

“It took a lot of long days, late nights, and moments when I felt like my brain was in overdrive,” said Smith. “I gained a lot of traditional knowledge, but even more, I learned about dedication, perseverance, and grit.”

A few more things to note about Smith: she’s a coffee lover, Thai-food enthusiast, and paddle boarder. 

Prior to joining the BARR team, Smith served as assistant director of marketing for a private university in Kansas City, and held various marketing roles of increasing responsibility in industries such as technology, performing arts, and athletics. She holds a master’s degree from Rockhurst University’s acclaimed Helzberg School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Kansas State University.

Interested in joining the BARR team? View our current openings.