Dear Story Collider community,
We want to share an important update about a leadership transition at Story Collider.
As of July 1, 2026, Erin Barker will be stepping down from her role as Executive Producer.
For many members of our community, Erin's name is synonymous with Story Collider itself. As a co-founder, she helped build this organization from the ground up, transforming an ambitious idea into a global community centered on sharing honest, personal stories about science. Over the past 16 years, Erin has shaped nearly every aspect of Story Collider's growth—from our earliest live shows to our podcast, workshops, producer network, and countless stories that have connected people through science and humanity.
Last year, Erin stepped down from her role as Executive Director as part of a broader organizational restructuring, moving into a contractor position as Executive Producer focused on supporting our live programming, workshops, and producers. Since then, she has continued to play an invaluable role in guiding our creative work and supporting the community she helped create.
This decision marks the end of Erin's formal staff and contractor roles with the organization, but it is not the end of her connection to Story Collider. Erin will remain a member of our Board of Directors, and she will always be one of Story Collider's co-founders. The foundation she built continues to shape who we are and how we approach our mission.
While leadership transitions are never easy, this one also offers an opportunity to reflect on just how much Erin has contributed over the years. Thousands of storytellers have shared their experiences on our stages and podcast because Erin believed those stories mattered. Countless producers, hosts, and staff members have grown through her mentorship, creativity, and unwavering commitment to making science more personal, accessible, and human.
On behalf of everyone at Story Collider—past and present—we want to express our deepest gratitude for Erin's vision, leadership, and dedication. The organization we know today would not exist without her.
As we look ahead, Story Collider remains committed to the mission that Erin helped establish: creating spaces where people can share true, personal stories about science and find connection through those experiences. We are excited about the future and grateful to have Erin's continued guidance as a member of our Board.
Please join us in thanking Erin for 16 extraordinary years of leadership, creativity, and care.
With gratitude,
Misha Gajewski, Artistic Director
Lindsay Cooper, Executive Director
Paula Croxson, President, Board of Directors
The Story Collider