After 30-plus years as a senior executive in the media industry, Bill Barker fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning his own company in 2021 with the founding of Barker Strategic Solutions LLC.
Based in Naples, FL, BSS specializes in strategic consulting services centric to brand position, market differentiation, critical thinking and thought leadership, revenue and fundraising optimization, marketing and messaging, leadership development and effective objective-oriented execution.
Prior to launching BSS, Barker was regional president of Gannett Inc./USA Today Network, encompassing 24 local media organizations throughout Florida, plus the marketing solutions group LOCALiQ. He also served as president and publisher of the Naples Daily News and Fort Myers News Press.
Known as an inspirational corporate and community thought leader, Bill understands leadership is not about position, but influence.
That fact was recognized in 2018 when, among his many accolades, Influence Florida magazine named him one of the “100 Most Influential People in Florida Politics.”
If you need transformational leadership – a person who can bring people together and move them forward toward a common goal, give Bill a call.
Rita began tapping out stories about everyday people and reporting local news for The Jackson Sun in Tennessee in 1979.
Over the next three decades, she honed her craft as a skilled writer and editor and creative conceptual thinker for broadcast and cable advertising, ad agencies, trade publications, newsletters, nonprofits, corporate clients, small businesses, magazines and newspapers.
Through the years, Rita has consulted and collaborated with countless clients to create clear and compelling strategic communications that elevate brands, lift response, increase revenues and move companies forward.
Her career in news, marketing and advertising has earned her numerous awards.
In 2021, she and husband, Bill, began writing a new and exciting chapter with the founding of Barker Strategic Solutions.
We invite you to let us help write your success story.
Bill’s sense of humor and his ability to speak to the values and aspirations that a community holds near and dear make him a strong candidate for a position where he can make great impact and lead others to accomplish challenging goals.