Stephanie Spilker Barton

I have the courage to take calculated risks and proof those decisions deliver.

Hello.

Timing isn’t everything…but the right insight at the right time can change a leader, an organization and a market.

As a head marketing and communications officer for more than two decades, I’ve become adept at recognizing those opportune times for a bolder decision, a fresher approach and a brand upgrade.

I have achieved trackable, tangible results for diverse organizations through strategic innovation, solid team building, integration of internal and external creative resources, and strong messaging. As a constant learner and energetic leader, I can envision solutions, rally cross-functional teams, maximize budgets, and transform operations.

I believe the best marketing leaders don’t simply promote organizations. They help shape business strategy, influence decisions, strengthen culture, and create growth.

Looking for an executive marketing leader to strengthen your brand, accelerate growth, and serve as a strategic partner to your CEO? Let's connect.

~ Stephanie

Email Stephanie

Impactful results

The Accelerate Center for Growth & Success

Conferences: Drove 135% growth in conference revenue, increasing annual revenue from $980K to $2.3M through strategic marketing, branding and integrated promotional campaigns.
Sponsorships: Increased sponsorship revenue by 256%, growing annual sponsorships from $90k to $320K (Conferences 2013-2025).
Newsletter: Published more than 70 editions of a flagship thought leadership newsletter with consistent 15-20% engagement rates.
Forward Thinking Podcast: Launched and hosted the Forward Thinking podcast, the organization’s first podcast, to connect national thought-leaders and key client audiences, ultimately hosting 87 episodes and reaching 31,087 listens.

Passkey — Leveraging collective buying power for exclusive discounts

Strategized re-emergence of a fatigued affinity program with a complete rebranding initiative
Hired key staff for unique member/vendor communication
Provided leadership for the team that expanded the program to more than $1 million in annual revenue over eight years.

CoBank — Manager, Marketing & Communications

Provided critical management and leadership to CoBank’s merger marketing strategy for its successful merger with U.S. AgBank.
Managed and coordinated CoBank’s social media work group, policies, editorial and go-live strategy.
Provided leadership and program management to the bank’s $4+ million yearly corporate responsibility and sponsorship program.

Case Studies

FCCS — A brand transformation

Read key takeaways from my 13 years developing transformational marketing for this 50 year old organization, assembling teams and stakeholders to amplify their efforts, contributing to sustained annual revenue growth of 10–20% over a 13-year tenure.

The Village — A women’s leadership initiative and experience

Learn about my role in creating The Village, an industry-wide women's leadership initiative that united an advisory council of executive leaders around a shared vision for advancing women. I helped shape the program's strategy, brand, and participant experience, creating a community that equips women with the connections, resources, and leadership development opportunities to grow their careers and expand their impact.

Learn more

The Forward Thinking Podcast — Connecting thought leaders to key audiences

Hear how I spearheaded and hosted the Forward Thinking podcast, the organization’s first podcast. Created initially as a thought-leadership building block, it evolved into a powerful business development and branding tool. Ultimately hosting 87 episodes and reached 31,087 listens.

Hear more

Stephanie Barton could teach a Master Class in how to maximize marketing budgets and impact. She is adept at reading her organization’s audience and relaying both facts and feelings to her creative team when a project launches. Having written content and creative for decades, I know how exceedingly rare and rich this ability is. Think savvy. Think generous. Think unicorn.

—Carla Carwile, Creative & Content
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Stephanie over the last thirteen years on multiple projects and initiatives. She has exceptional talent and professionalism, coupled with her collaborative spirit, that resulted in many successful events and opportunities. She asks great questions to further her understanding of complex issues and challenges ideas in a constructive manner. She’s professional, responsive, and a pleasure to work with."

—Jennifer Thompson, EVP, Chief Administrative Officer, Capital Farm Credit
“Stephanie consistently displayed that she is a standout visionary marketing leader, being able to bridge high-level strategy with excellent business and people leadership. I watched her design and execute powerful marketing campaigns for our leadership education programs, complex insurance sectors, and major conferences—where her efforts directly drove a noticeable surge in interest in our programs and service offerings. Beyond her strategic mind, Stephanie is an impeccable leader; she masterfully directed a multi-talented marketing team, fostering a collaborative culture that directly resulted in significantly increased revenues for the company.”

—Joette Cross, Retired VP Event Management
“I’ve had the honor of collaborating with Stephanie on several high-profile and influential marketing and communications projects for national audiences. Stephanie’s expertise, coupled with her creativity and contagious positive energy, makes her a dream to work with. Her ruthless pursuit for better, challenging the status quo and asking the questions others won’t, is a much-needed perspective when planning your marketing, communications, and branding strategies. The passion Stephanie brings to her work and her naturally supportive approach to leadership is a wonderful blend, making her an asset to any team, project, and community.”

—Jenny Kreisher, Director of Strategic Communications, Horizon Farm Credit
“I had the pleasure of serving on the Lessons Learned panel co-facilitated by Stephanie at The 2026 Village Summit, and she brought real skill and warmth to the role. She asked thoughtful questions, kept the dialogue flowing naturally and made sure each panelist's voice came through - creating an authentic, engaging experience. If you are looking for a professional to guide meaningful leadership and professional development conversations, Stephanie is a strong partner.”

-LaTonya Keaton, Regional Vice President CoBank