Kate McFarlin Barney

New York City / Nantucket, MA. Kate is the Chief People Officer at Smartly.io, where she leads global people strategy across talent, culture, and organizational design. She has spent her career living in Shanghai, London, and New York, leading high-growth technology companies to scale and building innovative, high-performing teams. Kate lives in New York City with her husband, Nate, and their three children, Willy, Rosie, and Eliza. Their family has a deep history on Nantucket and spends time on the island every summer and over the holidays. During the pandemic, when much of the world felt closed off, the children developed a lasting love of books through the Weezie Library at the Nantucket Atheneum. Librarians created personalized reading bags tailored to their interests, making each visit feel special and sparking early curiosity and joy in reading. For Kate and her family, the Atheneum is the heart of Nantucket – a central gathering place where families discover books, enjoy art and music programs, and connect with friends. The library is always our first stop when we arrive on the ferry! Kate is honored to serve on the Board of Trustees and support the Atheneum’s mission, its dedicated staff, and its role as a vibrant center for learning, creativity, and community.