Mike Swenson began his career in broadcast journalism working in both radio and television. Following that, he spent five years as press secretary to Kansas Gov. John Carlin. After a year with the Boasberg Company in Kansas City, Mike founded Barkley Public Relations in 1987.

What began as a regional public relations firm grew to become a national leader in cause branding, influencer relations, crisis communications and employee engagement He retired from running the firm in December of 2021 and now consults with a variety of clients.

Mike is a past president of IPREX, a global corporation of more than 90 independent PR firms. He has donated his time to many charitable organizations in Kansas City.

Mike and his wife, Char, have four children and eight grandchildren. That is where they like to spend most of their free time. He and Char are also both avid golfers and travelers.

Executive Vice President

BarkleyOKRP

Sam has been in the advertising business for more than 40 years. He’s worked for New York holding company agencies, one of the top creative shops in the world and ran his own agency for 25 years, specializing in the healthcare and financial services categories. As EVP at BarkleyOKRP, he has the resources of one of the top independent advertising agencies in the nation to bring to clients. 

Sam believes success in life is more than career success. He supports the community and the advertising/marketing industry nationally. He’s been honored to be named an Urban Hero by the Downtown Council of Kansas City for his work in the urban core. He serves on the Board of Governors of the American Association of Advertising Agencies. He’s a Helzberg Fellow, a board member of KCUR Public Media, and a long-time supporter of Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.