Ms. Sybil Walker Barnes

Sybil Walker Barnes joined the AAVMC in 2025 as Director for Marketing and Communications. Her work evolves around developing communications strategies to increase awareness and understanding of the AAVMC and the critical issues and opportunities facing academic veterinary medicine.

Sybil has more than 18 years of experience working at the intersections of marketing, communications, membership, and technology. She is passionate about helping organizations achieve their mission through effective communications. Prior to coming to the AAVMC, Sybil served as Director of Marketing and Communications at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology for six years. She has also held positions as Social Media Strategist at the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists and Director of Social Media Engagement and Director of Web Content at the American Institute of Architects.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in Washington, DC, with a major in journalism, and the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives.

Community and civic involvement are important to Sybil. For three years, she has mentored high school students interested in scientific communications through the Americans for Medical Progress’ curiousSCIENCEwriters program. She is also a member of the Junior League of Washington’s Grants Stewardship Committee, which identifies and provides grants to deserving organizations that help communities in need.

Sybil is the mother of two adult sons. When she isn’t working, you may find her reading historical fiction, watching film noir movies, dining out, or browsing interior design websites.