Bryan Barnes
Digital Strategy and Marketing Technology Leader
I build digital platforms, marketing tools, and measurement systems for organizations that need their web presence to actually work. Fifteen years of doing this for universities, cultural institutions, and professional sports, from setting strategy with senior leadership to writing the code myself.
Selected Work
Academic Programs Directory
Replaced a 12,000-pixel table of 400+ programs with faceted search, conversion tracking, and inquiry forms.
12,277 apply clicks in nine months
Read case study → PlatformUMBC.edu Rebuild
Rebuilt a PHP link farm into a unified WordPress platform on Pantheon. 19 legacy sites migrated, 500+ departmental sites on Multisite.
7,000+ posts, 300+ pages
Read case study → Internal ToolsAI Marketing Hub
13 internal tools on Astro: ad builder, video builder, AI copywriter, GA4 queries via MCP, and more.
In pilot ahead of full rollout
Read case study → PerformancePerformance and Accessibility
Homepage mobile LCP from 11.2s to 3.8s. PageSpeed accessibility score of 100. 96% Silktide compliance.
11.2s LCP to 3.8s
Read case study →Experience
View all →Director of Digital Strategy
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
March 2019 – Present
Rebuilt UMBC.edu from a PHP link farm into a WordPress platform on Pantheon, migrating 19 legacy sites (7,000+ posts, 300+ pages); run the Multisite framework behind 500+ departmental sites
In-Game Coordinator
Baltimore Orioles (MLB)
February 2018 – July 2019
Ran real-time in-game social for 3M+ followers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: live graphics, directing a roving in-stands coordinator, and photographer content; stayed on part-time a second season at the team's request
Director of Digital
National Aquarium
April 2013 – July 2017
Led digital for Maryland's largest tourist attraction: aqua.org, 5M annual visits, $10M annual e-commerce revenue
Digital Marketing Manager
Maryland Dept. of Business and Economic Development
January 2011 – April 2013
Built Maryland's tourism social presence from scratch: Facebook, Twitter (@TravelMD), Instagram (@VisitMaryland)