Employee of the Month – Barbara Bauman

Barb (2nd from left) with her regional managers

As Superintendent for the agency’s 20 multi-service centers (MSCs), Barb Bauman’s responsibilities extend from one end of the state to the other. Assisted by seven regional managers and 19 maintenance supervisors, she ensures that operations at the centers run smoothly and safely for both tenants and citizens seeking MSC services.

Barb joined DGS in 1982 as a contract receptionist, advancing to word processing operator, clerk, secretary, building manager, assistant superintendent and, ultimately, superintendent. Having risen through the ranks during her 30+ year career, she has extensive experience and broad knowledge to respond quickly and effectively to both MSC tenants’ daily needs and unexpected emergencies.

“I was given opportunities to prove myself,” Barb said about her years with DGS. With a can-do attitude and unwavering commitment to her work, Barb demonstrated that she could handle greater and more demanding responsibilities as she advanced through her career. She was promoted to MSC superintendent 15 years ago.

“Barb has a keen sense of direction, organizationally and operationally,” said her supervisor, Mark Mascarenhas, Director & Contract Administrator for Facilities, Operations, & Maintenance. “She has the capacity to break down difficult, challenging issues and effectively communicate complicated tasks.”

Barb says what she likes about the job is that she and her team must be prepared for the unexpected. On any given day – or night – they might have to respond to a plumbing, HVAC or weather-related emergency. It requires quick thinking, clear communications and teamwork. Describing her team as her “multi-service family,” she said they always step up, whatever the challenge.

Work doesn’t end for Barb when she leaves for home at the end of the day. In the evenings, and sometimes late into the night, you can find her baking mini-cupcakes. Started with her culinary-educated niece two years ago, Barb describes the work as “baking with love.” Right now, people learn about the sweet treats by word of mouth, but Barb hopes to have a café someday.

For her commitment to DGS and determination to succeed in everything she does, Barb Bauman is our January Employee of the Month.