At only 29 years old, Kathryn Barker is a CPA and assistant corporate controller at Childress Klein, one of the largest commercial real estate developers in the Southeast. Barker is responsible for tax compliance for more than 220 entities and assets valued over $2 billion, as well as providing high-level service to all parties involved in CK’s investments.

Barker has been recognized by her peers as a fierce leader, focused on the advancement of women and building a healthy body, spirit and mind for all. In the community, Katie is passionate about CREW Charlotte, an organization working to influence the success of the commercial real estate industry by advancing the achievements of women. Barker, a 2020 director at large at CREW, leads the Sponsorship Committee, which raises money annually to help provide scholarships for local women pursuing higher education in the field of commercial real estate. Her efforts have helped raise $234,000, $220,900 and $207,050 over the last three consecutive years.

These are just a few of the reasons we chose Barker to be one of the Atlanta and Southeast region 2020 Next Generation Award Winners. Connect Media’s fourth annual Next Generation Awards recognize young leaders in the commercial real estate industry who are likely to be influential for years to come.