NEDC Board Member Spotlight Q & A with Brett Barker

Brett Barker

What is your hometown? Lecanto, FL / Geneseo, IL

Occupation and company you work for? Pharmacist (VP of Operations / Compliance Officer with NuCara Pharmacy)

What is a fun fact about your business or something you’re doing at your business that you’re excited about? It’s been a rewarding, but busy time coordinating our COVID response and vaccination efforts. Pharmacists are on the front line fighting this pandemic. 

What is your role with the NEDC, and how long have you been involved? I represent the City on the NEDC Board and have been on the NEDC Board for eight years. 

What is the most interesting or incredible thing you have learned about local economic development by being involved in the NEDC? The City of Nevada that we know today has literally been shaped by the efforts of the NEDC. Much of our community’s growth over the past 30 years has been fueled by the NEDC. 

Why do you continue to be involved in local economic development? Why is this an important issue for you? If a community isn’t growing, it is dying. It’s important for Nevada to remain a vibrant and diverse community long into the future. 

What other involvements do you have in the local community/county? I also serve on the boards of Main Street Nevada, the Nevada Foundation, and Runners United Nevada. We are members of Cornerstone Church. 

What are your favorite pastimes/hobbies? Hawkeye Football, reading about history, sci-fi

Who are the members of your family? My wife, Tracy, and our four daughters, Ella, Lexi, Graceyn, and Hannah. 

What is something fun about you that only your high school or college friends would probably know? I was the student coordinator of the tour guide program at the University of Iowa Office of Admissions.

If you had only one hour a week to watch TV, what would you watch? Star Trek

What has 2020 taught you? To cherish the time we get to spend with friends and loved ones because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.