Barbara Gibson
Office: Suite 669, 3600 Centre
Phone: (804) 828-6521
Fax: (804) 828-7539
Email Barbara
I began working in adult literacy as a volunteer in 1978. My professional background had been in management, public relations, strategic planning, and program development with nonprofit organizations. After twelve years of volunteering, I decided to change careers and work in adult education and literacy full-time. That has proven to be one of my best decisions. It led me into a field with as many rewards as challenges where I have developed strong collegial relationships based upon a deep commitment to adult education.
I first joined the VALRC staff as acting director in July 2003 after the retirement of former director, Susan Joyner. I had moved to Virginia Commonwealth University to become Associate Director of the Virginia Literacy Institute (VLI), the parent organization for VALRC, which was created as a partnership between the Virginia Literacy Foundation and Virginia Commonwealth University. In April 2003, I was named VALRC Manager. I have also continued to serve as VLI?s Associate Director. Previously, I served for five years as Associate Director of the Foundation and the Workforce Improvement Network (WIN), then operating as a partnership between the Foundation and James Madison University. Before that, I was Executive Director of the READ Center, a community-based literacy organization serving Richmond City and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico.
I have a BS in journalism from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Masters of Liberal Arts from the University of Richmond. I am truly a lifelong learner, regularly taking classes in management, psychology, or any other subject that piques my interest. My hobbies include reading and genealogy.