Metro Atlanta Chamber names Deisha Barnett as marketing svp – bringing diversity to senior team

By Maria Saporta

The Metro Atlanta Chamber has named Deisha Barnett as its new senior vice president of marketing and communications – beginning on Nov. 29.

Most recently, Barnett has spent the last nine years working with Walmart Inc., where she rose through the ranks to become the senior director of corporate communications. Prior to Walmart, Barnett worked with Atlanta-based EarthLink Inc. and with the Ketchum public relations firm’s Atlanta office.

Deisha Barnett in a YouTube video (Special: YouTube)

“As the Metro Atlanta Chamber launches an updated marketing and communications strategy focused on Atlanta being a global knowledge capital, we are pleased to welcome such an accomplished professional like Deisha to our team,” said Hala Moddelmog, the Chamber’s president and CEO. “With her proven track record of generating compelling integrated marketing campaigns and driving effective communications strategies, Deisha will be an asset as MAC continues our work to position metro Atlanta as a top tier global competitor.”

In her new role, Barnett will join the Chamber’s senior management committee, the only executive of the organization who is a person of color.

“Atlanta has been good to me, and I’m looking forward to being more involved in the metro’s business community,” said Barnett. “MAC is already doing outstanding work, so I was very attracted to the idea of uniting my skills with such a capable team working under Hala’s leadership. I’m excited to lead work that spreads a positive message about our region and how great it is for individuals on a variety of career paths as well as businesses seeking a prime location for growth.”

The job is slightly different than previous top media relations professionals who have worked at the Chamber – such as Esther Campi, Bari Love and Scott Higley.

Deisha Barnett

Moddelmog said Barnett will not only have the communications responsibilities, but also a marketing focus. She will support Chamber’s work in helping create jobs, enabling sustained economic growth as well as attracting and retaining talent.

She will work in tandem with Kate Atwood, executive director of Atlanta’s ChooseATL.

Atwood and her team will continue to support the Chamber’s comprehensive marketing strategy with a specific focus on recruiting and growing business investments in the region by delivering innovative and engaging marketing strategies to attract and retain top millennial talent.

Barnett, who has 17 years of experience in the field, has been profiled by Ad Age and PR Week and is considered top talent in the marketing and communications industry.

She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass media arts and public relations.