Joe Barnes, a longtime journalism and communications professional, has been named director of strategic communications and media relations at WSU, effective Sept. 17. Barnes will take over as director of news and media relations, succeeding Hugh Imhof, who left last May to join Avista Corp. in Spokane as manager of media and information. In addition, Barnes will act as a media adviser to the president and administration.

In a career spanning nearly 35 years, Barnes most recently served as vice president and news director at KOMO-TV (Fisher Broadcasting) in Seattle from 1996-2001, where he oversaw a 113-person department.

He also served as vice president and news director at FOX-TV in Los Angeles, news director at KPIX and KGO-TV in San Francisco, executive producer at WXYZ-TV in Detroit, news director at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, news reporter/anchor, producer at KCRA Radio and TV in Sacramento, and newscaster/reporter for United Press International in New York City.

"We are very pleased that Joe Barnes has joined the WSU News Bureau team in this important new leadership role," said Sally Savage, vice president for university relations. "He has extensive experience as a news industry professional and brings a wealth of insights on the state and region."

From 1985-96, he was chief executive officer and president of his own media consulting firm, Joseph Barnes and Associates Inc. in Martinez, Calif.

Barnes is a 1972 communications graduate of California State University at Sacramento and earned his master’s degree in speech at California State University at Hayward in 1975.