A writer at heart, Kristen Barnfield is an experienced strategist and communicator with more than 20 years of success leading branding initiatives, internal and external communications, digital and integrated marketing, corporate development, fundraising, crisis communications, entertainment, and influencer relations. She is passionate about bringing important causes to life by refining voice, clarifying complex issues, and finding compelling, emotional, and engaging ways to reach broader audiences and inspire action.
Previously, Kristen served as Vice President of Communications at Easterseals, the nation’s largest disability services organization. As a member of the national executive team, she collaborated on business strategy and directly supported senior leadership and the CEO across all communications. She led media relations and issues management, guided national rebranding efforts, campaigns, and thought leadership initiatives, and developed brand ambassadors and marketing staff nationwide—professionally training teams to communicate clear, consistent points of view. During her tenure, Kristen developed a deep commitment to Easterseals and the disability inclusion movement. Today, she serves as a volunteer member of the Board of Directors for her local affiliate, Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley.
Earlier in her career, Kristen spent many years at Edelman. In 2020, she co-founded Change for Balance with Judi Ketcik, Roddy Tabatabai, and John McCarthy—proving that when lifelong friends join forces, meaningful impact follows.
