Barr has worked in the software industry since 1976. What began as a part-time, high school gig at a local computer store has evolved into a present day Chief Evangelist position for Amazon Web Services (AWS). In the interim, the American University alumnus (Computer Science) held development and management positions at KnowNow, Ebyz, Akopia and Microsoft. He co-founded the Visix Software and developed Syndic8.com and “Headline Viewer” programs. Today, the 12-year Amazon veteran focuses on telling the AWS story to audiences all over the world, furthering awareness of the service and inspiring developers to create application on the AWS platform. He runs the AWS blog and YouTube channel, and is the author of the book, “Host Your Web Site in the Cloud: Amazon Web Services Made Easy.” Initially Barr became a supporter of the Communication Leadership program in 2008 as its first Amazon connection and a trusted advisor. His feedback was crucial to growing the program, and he later stepped off the Advisory Board to apply as a student and become a more effective storyteller. Barr earned an M.A. in Communication and Digital Media in 2013. As part of his independent study for the MCDM program, Barr took a 5,550 mile, multi-week road trip around the country to present AWS to small user groups in 14 different cities. The journey provided him with a unique opportunity to establish strong connections with current and potential customers in a way that large-scale technology conferences don’t allow. In the last year and a half, Barr has become an advisor and financial benefactor to Seattle-based Redlight Traffic, which publicizes and fights human trafficking by using a mobile app to identify victims. He speaks at the organization’s events and works with the founders on their marketing and technology plans. Barr has also been an advisor to the UW’s Certificate Program in Cloud Computing for several years. The father of five and grandfather of two lives in Sammamish, WA.