Kelly Barta’s Story

Kelly Barta headshot

Kelly Barta
Coalition of Skin Diseases, President

After experiencing a prolonged and severe health crisis due to long-term use of topical steroids for eczema, Kelly became a passionate voice for those who were suffering. She was determined to bring change to the way eczema was understood and treated. Her advocacy efforts have led her to serve on several national dermatology nonprofits, bringing awareness to the great needs of this community and supporting those living with eczema and going through topical steroid withdrawal syndrome.

Kelly currently serves as President and CEO of the Coalition of Skin Diseases, an umbrella organization of more than 25 national skin-related patient groups, which exists to raise awareness of skin diseases and advocate for the 84+ million Americans living with skin conditions.

She has served as past president of the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN), and continues to support their mission as member of the Board of Directors. Additionally, Kelly sits on the Patient Advocacy Task Force of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Atopic Dermatitis Advisory Panel for Globalskin. She has presented on eczema and TSW to the FDA as well as before patient, academic and political audiences. Kelly is the recent author of her story, To Eczema With Love, https://toeczemawithlove.com/.

Kelly resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her two sons and enjoys taking in the great outdoors, whether it be the mountains, oceans, a walk in the woods or digging in her own garden.

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Georgia Life Sciences Joins National Coalition Urging Congressional Action on Key Innovation Policies

December 10, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences has joined 43 state and regional life sciences organizations in signing a national Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) letter calling on Congress to take immediate action on three bipartisan policy priorities that are essential to sustaining U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation and supporting patients nationwide. With Congress back in session and several critical programs at risk of expiring, the letter urges congressional leaders to advance the following provisions without delay: 1. Reauthorize the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PPRV) Program The PPRV program has been instrumental in incentivizing the development of therapies for children with rare and life-threatening conditions. Its lapse threatens to slow or halt research that families across the country are counting on. 2. Extend the SBIR/STTR Programs The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide crucial early-stage capital for emerging biotech and medtech companies—many of them in Georgia. Without reauthorization, hundreds of innovative small businesses face uncertainty, jeopardizing new therapies, diagnostics, and technologies in the pipeline, 3. Advance PBM Transparency Reforms Greater transparency and accountability within pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices are needed to ensure that savings reach patients and employers. Reforming PBM operations is essential to strengthening access and affordability across the healthcare system. A Unified Message from the Life Sciences Community The sign-on letter reflects broad, bipartisan alignment across the national life sciences ecosystem: researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, patient advocates, and state associations all share a common message— these programs underpin America’s global competitiveness and are vital to patients who rely on continued scientific progress. Georgia Life Sciences has shared the letter with members of Georgia’s congressional delegation and will continue engaging with policymakers to emphasize the importance of swift action.

GLS Joins Georgia Partners in Calling for Federal PBM Reform

December 7, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences is proud to stand with patient advocates, providers, and employers across the state in urging Congress to take meaningful action on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. We recently signed on to a joint letter to Georgia’s Congressional Delegation stressing the urgent need for transparency, fair practices, and policies that ensure savings flow directly to patients.

GLS’ President and CEO, Maria Thacker Goethe in December's issue of Georgia Trend

December 4, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences’ CEO, Maria Thacker Goethe shares her perspective on the value of Georgia’s research universities in this month’s issue of Georgia Trend. “Georgia research institutions have felt a very significant impact from the federal rollbacks, specifically in NIH and NSF funding. Thacker Goethe’s message about the impact of research cuts is simple: Disruption shatters the foundational trust researchers have in grant continuity….” To read the full article, click here .
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