About

Mike Barber is an Air Force veteran, full-time communicator, and part-time tennis teaching professional.

Skills

Thanks to the Air Force and 20+ year governmental career, Mike has acquired the following skills: Time and organizational management, press release and e-newsletter development, strategic communications, IT support, executive calendar management, and much more. Thank you, America!

Core Values

In his personal and professional life, Mike's core values are summed up in an easy to remember acronym: GRIP

  • Growth: Growth refers to the belief that one's abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed and improved through dedication, effort, learning, and perseverance. Growing involves embracing life's challenges and continually learning from our wins and losses.

  • Respect: Respect means treating people with consideration, fairness, and politeness.

  • Integrity: Integrity often requires courage to do what is right, even when it's difficult, unpopular, or risky. This can mean standing up for one's beliefs or defending others when it's not easy. Do what is right, even when nobody is looking.

  • Poise: Poise refers to self-assuredness, calmness, and dignity under pressure. It's about maintaining one's composure and confidence, regardless of the circumstances. Having control over one's emotions and responses is a key aspect of poise.

Resumé

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Wright Brothers National Memorial

Public Affairs Specialist, May 2018-Present

Executive Assistant, Jan. 2016-May 2018

Independence National Historical Park

Executive Assistant, Superintendent's Office, Jan. 2012-Jan. 2016
IT Specialist, 4-month temporary assignment at the park

Tennis

OBX Tennis (Outer Banks, NC), Jan. 2016-Present

Westside Tennis Club (Sinking Spring, PA), June 1997-August 2005

Center Court Fitness (Johnson City, NY), June 1996-June 1997

Binghamton Tennis Center (Binghamton, NY), June 1995-June 1996

U.S. Air Force

Jan. 2003-Jan. 2012

In addition to serving in the 193rd Special Operations Wing as a full-time, dual status member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Mike supported the Global War on Terrorism's Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom during multiple overseas deployments, serving as an Information Management and Knowledge Operations Specialist.

Honors & Awards

  • Air Force Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters

  • Air Force Commendation Medal

  • Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border

  • Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters

  • Air Force Training Ribbon

  • Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster

  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

  • National Defense Service Medal

  • Pennsylvania Major General Thomas J. Steward Medal

  • Pennsylvania Major General Thomas R. White, Jr. Medal

  • Pennsylvania State Service Medal

  • Secretary's Commendation Award

  • 2018 & 2022 Safety Champion Award