---
title: "How I Got Here: Tammy Barnes"
id: "11611"
type: "post"
slug: "how-i-got-here-tammy-barnes"
published_at: "2016-09-19T04:00:00+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-03-14T23:57:35+00:00"
url: "https://associationsnow.com/2016/09/19/how-i-got-here-tammy-barnes/"
markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2016/09/19/how-i-got-here-tammy-barnes.md"
excerpt: "Tammy Barnes Director of Operations, State Advocacy Office American Psychological Association Washington, DC Tammy Barnes began her working life as a cashier at Kmart right after she got her work permit at 15. Even today, as director of operations for..."
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---

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 » How I Got Here: Tammy Barnes

**Tammy Barnes**  
 Director of Operations, State Advocacy Office  
 American Psychological Association  
 Washington, DC

Tammy Barnes began her working life as a cashier at Kmart right after she got her work permit at 15. Even today, as director of operations for the state advocacy office at the American Psychological Association, she uses lessons from her previous jobs to better serve her members. Here are highlights from her career journey.

> When that door of opportunity opens to you and you get in, reach back and pull someone up with you.—Tammy Barnes, American Psychological Association

**1999–2002** Cashier at Kmart

**2002–2006** Salesperson at Sheetz

**2006** Intern at the White House in the Office of the First Lady

**2007–2010** Policy Assistant, Public Interest and Science Government Relations Offices at the American Psychological Association (APA)

**2010–2011** Program Coordinator, Office on Socioeconomic Status at APA

**2011–** Director of Operations, State Advocacy Office at APA

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