The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine the spotlight on Gina Barber in our Community Proud series sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union. While Gina is usually the one orchestrating the details behind the scenes, today she takes center stage.

With more than 28 years in the event industry, Gina has built a career that spans weddings, large-scale public events, corporate gatherings, and non-profit initiatives. Her experience includes creative direction, event marketing, and strategic leadership, all rooted in long-standing relationships with trusted vendors and partners.

Gina’s background in visual merchandising, floral design, and graphic design has shaped the way she approaches events and food styling. She views every celebration as a full sensory experience. Her work has been featured in national and regional publications including Martha Stewart, CT Bride, Style Me Pretty, Carats & Cake, and Southern New England Weddings. In November 2020, she served as the Food Stylist for the cover of Connecticut Magazine.

Earlier in her career, Gina was the PR Director for Special Olympics Connecticut and played a key role in large waterfront events through Sailfest and the Downtown New London Association. She also worked as an executive at an advertising agency, managing high-profile national brands before returning her focus fully to the event world.

Today, Gina serves as Director of Creative Growth and Guest Experience at Gourmet Galley Catering. She is also an Ambassador for the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, serves on the board of OpSail Connecticut, and sits on the International Catering Association Marketing Committee. These roles allow her to stay connected, collaborative, and continuously learning.

What keeps Gina rooted in this community is the people behind the events. Her ties to New London County run deep, with family roots in Noank and a lifetime of shared experiences throughout the region. She believes collaboration here feels genuine because relationships span generations. Bringing people together and highlighting the talent within our community is something she considers a privilege.

Gina’s career began on the floor as a catering server. Her very first passed hors d’oeuvre was smoked salmon on toast points at a backyard wedding in Watch Hill. Since then, she has experienced events from nearly every angle, including behind the scenes as a wedding videographer and florist. Those early experiences taught her that every small detail contributes to the larger story.

She is most proud of her perseverance and constant curiosity. She says that she is inspired by everything she sees! She doesn’t look at ideas literally—she likes to take inspiration from one place and apply it somewhere completely different. Fashion runway shows often spark wedding themes, and the flavors of one dish can evolve into something entirely new. There’s inspiration in everyday moments, so Gina keeps a notebook close at all times to jot ideas down before they escape. She’s a true innovator!

Gina grew up in Waterford and now lives in Lisbon with her husband, Daniel, and their two sons, Bentley and Alex. Their family remains closely connected to Noank, where deep roots and long-standing friendships continue to shape their lives. For Gina, feeling at home means running into familiar faces at the grocery store, supporting local businesses, and watching children grow up together.

Outside of work, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, with a recent focus on baking bread, and exploring local restaurants. She also has a creative side many may not know about. Gina is a SAG actor who has worked as a background actor in film and television productions, including Hallmark movies filmed in New London County. Her son is also an actor, and they’ve both had the chance to work alongside A-list stars and be a part of some truly amazing productions. 

Gina is quick to credit the incredible team at Gourmet Galley Catering. She is proud to work alongside professionals who pour their creativity, energy, and attention to detail into every event. Together, they strive to create experiences that are not only seamless but truly memorable.

Being recognized by the Chamber’s Community Proud series hold special meaning for Gina. On a personal level, she says that it feels special to be acknowledged by a community she grew up in and has stayed deeply connected to. Professionally, she says it’s especially meaningful because she has always been behind the scenes making things happen—often a face you recognize, but not always a name you know. To be recognized in this way feels like a full circle moment for her and a reminder of the power of collaboration, community, and showing up consistently for one another. 

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes Gina Barber for her dedication to creativity, hospitality, and community connection. She embodies what it means to be Community Proud.