Workforce Development

Kathy Barber joined UT CIS as an Economic Development Specialist in October 2017.  Her primary focus is to manage the Asset Based Planning initiative, working with rural communities across the state to leverage community assets for economic development.

Kathy gained her experience and passion for economic development while serving six years at the Oak Ridge Economic Partnership as Existing Industry Manager and Economic Development Project Manager for the Oak Ridge, TN community.  She was also actively involved in workforce development, tech-led economic development, and promoting entrepreneurship, as part of the regional initiative – Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley.

Kathy grew up in the metro area of Denver, CO and earned her BS degree in Business Administration – Marketing from the University of Northern Colorado.  She is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Oak Ridge.

UT-CIS Responsibilities:

Gordon is the Solutions Consultant for the Upper Cumberland Region. He helps companies and communities succeed, grow and create high quality jobs.

Career Overview:

Gordon is a senior level manager with experience managing and growing customer relationships, leading project teams to exceed customer, contractual, and corporate requirements, and creating and managing project schedules, resources, and financials. He has 5 years of Supply Chain Management experience coupled with 24 years of Project and Program Management. He has experience across a variety of industries, Automotive, Medical, Aerospace, Defense, Consumer and Industrial Elecronics.

            Areas of Expertise:

·         Operations Management

·         Supply Chain Management

·         Project/Program Management

·         Account Management/Business Development

·         Product Development/Design Management

Education / Credentials:

• (BSBA) Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Production and Operations Management – Tennessee Technological University