Barbara Wells Kenney grew up in a family that modeled the importance of involvement in your community. When Barb attended high school in Washington, D.C. she became fascinated with America's system of government. "My four years in DC started my life long interest in our Republic, in particular the politics, public policy and how it shapes our lives."

Barb graduated from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida in 1967 with a BA in elementary education. She taught in several public schools in Massachusetts and Vermont. "For several years, I worked under Title X for children with learning disabilities. I learned that excessive government can hinder educational success," said Barb.

In 1973, Barb and her husband Jim moved to Washington State, where she continued to teach in public schools. After their two children were born Barb became a volunteer in the children's schools as well as in local politics, serving on several city wide boards. She was elected to the Sammamish Community Council in 1989 and served for 8 years, four as chairman.  Barb returned to work as a lead library assistant in the King County Library system in 1986 until 1999.  

In addition to Barb's dedication to her community, she is also involved in statewide causes. She has been a board member of the Freedom Foundation since 1999 and served on the Washington Policy Center's board from 1998-2005.

On a national level, Barb continues to champion limited government.  She has served on the State Policy Network board since 2004 and is a board member of the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute in Herndon VA.

She and her husband Jim have two grown children and two grandsons.