Barbara Riley Burnett

About Barbara Riley Burnett

I build partnerships that drive real impact. Whether it’s helping a business scale thoughtfully or creating access where barriers have historically existed, I’m motivated by work that leads to sustainable growth and long-term value.My background spans partnership development, buyer enablement, and go-to-market strategy, where I’ve worked closely with internal and external stakeholders to turn complex needs into clear, actionable solutions. I’ve partnered cross-functionally with marketing, product, operations, and technical teams to align strategy, execution, and outcomes.Most recently, I co-created the Momentum Program, a sponsor-backed initiative designed to connect organizations with underrepresented and independent partners through education, curated access, and structured enablement. At its core, the work focused on identifying a market gap, designing a scalable program, and aligning stakeholders around a shared goal.I’m a connector and problem solver by nature. I focus on building trust-based relationships, creating clarity in ambiguous environments, and helping teams work better together. I’m especially energized by roles that sit at the intersection of partnerships, enablement, and program leadership, where collaboration and thoughtful execution matter more than constant selling.I approach my work with empathy and a results-driven mindset. I believe progress comes from clarity, consistency, and collaboration, and I’m always interested in building alongside people who value those principles.

Experience

1. Head of Buyer Development

   Colossus Ssp

   Nov 2023 — Present · San Diego, CA, US

   Led Buyer Development strategy focused on strengthening agency and brand partnerships across programmatic and curated deal environmentsImproved response rates on outbound outreach by introducing more intentional sequencing, clearer positioning, and tighter coordination with marketing-led air coverCo-created and launched the Momentum Program (2023) with an anchor sponsors to address a market need for connecting brands with underrepresented and independent publishers through structured education and curated accessServes as a key internal voice translating buyer feedback into actionable guidance for publisher onboarding priorities and deal packagingSupports agency and brand relationships through periods of industry disruption and heightened scrutiny, maintaining trust and continuityRepresents Colossus in senior-level conversations, in-person meetings, and industry events, reinforcing long-term partnership value

Education

• San Francisco State University

  Bachelor Of Arts, Electronic Communication--Emphasis in Business

  2006 — 2008

• Mt Carmel High School

  General Studies

  1999 — 2003

• Grossmont College

  AA, Transfer Studies

  2003 — 2005

Skills

• Online Advertising
• Event Management
• Integrated Marketing
• New Media
• Digital Marketing
• Television
• Broadcasting
• Media Planning
• Research
• Mobile Marketing
• Marketing
• Radio
• Broadcast
• Advertising
• Social Networking
• Social Media Marketing
• Advertising Sales
• Facebook
• Social Media
• Digital Media
• Promotions
• Sales
• Management
• Media Buying