Meet the HSPA Team: Barbara J. Smith

Barbara provides strategic advice and practical "hands on" assistance to clients facing complex and controversial communications challenges. Whether in a corporate boardroom, working with news media and community groups, or going door to door to talk directly with concerned neighbors, Barbara builds trust and understanding through her clear, effective communication efforts. Her work often requires developing understandable public messages about highly technical information.

Barbara brings a quarter century of experience as a journalist, press secretary for high level public officials and public affairs consulting to media relations, corporate public relations counsel and crisis communications to Harris & Smith clients. Barbara is an expert in the public communication requirements of major environmental restoration projects and managing crisis communications in all types of situations. She also has extensive experience in advising coalitions and trade associations on public affairs issues.

Barbara graduated the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University. She is a Seattle native who is active in the community serving on three local non-profit foundation boards and offering perspective and advice to her many friends in area businesses, government agencies and civic organizations. Barbara particularly enjoys spending time watching baseball with her husband Mark and son Jack.