here - Satellite Beach

Reference Notes
Courtney Barker
TAB 4
Words or phrases used to describe Courtney Barker:
Very outgoing,
Joyful to be around,
Innovative,
Creative,
Good communication skills, and
Customer service oriented.
Strengths: Works very well with constituents and coworkers, creative, a skilled leader who
moves projects forward, quickly learns what she needs to know when working with unfamiliar
departments, and has a diverse skill set.
Weaknesses: She has overcome the weaknesses she had when hired and quickly resolves any of
her own weakness she identifies.
Marcia Gaedcke – Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce, Titusville, FL
321-267-3036 ext. 24
Ms. Gaedcke was the Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce when Ms. Barker was
hired by the City of Titusville in 2004. Ms. Barker began as the Redevelopment Specialist and is
now the Planning Director. She assumed significant responsibility in a short period of time and
has handled her responsibilities well. Ms. Gaedcke has considerable respect for Ms. Barker.
Ms. Barker is passionate about helping others. She is thorough and stays on top of all her
assignments and roles. She juggles many responsibilities. Having to work with an elected body
that does not always support development can be very stressful. However, Ms. Barker balances
the community’s needs, the desires of her elected officials, and citizens’ input very well.
The Chamber hosts numerous events and has a contract with the City for certain downtown
activities. Ms. Barker manages that contract. She has also been involved with the Chamber in
contract negotiations for the Titusville Renaissance Group. Ms. Gaedcke and Ms. Barker
interact frequently, usually corresponding through email but also calling each other whenever a
matter is time sensitive. Ms. Barker and her staff keep the Chamber very well informed.
Ms. Barker hires good personnel and her general decisions are good. Her organization functions
at a very high performance level. When presented with a new idea she does not immediately
respond by pointing out limitations but rather thinks creatively and looks for ways to implement
the suggestions.
Residents fear change; so Ms. Barker often gets blamed when residents are unhappy. She
regularly comes under attack from all sides, occasionally more from Council than the
community. The Council is frequently divided and, when they are in conflict, they take it out on
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