Board Spotlight - John Barbee

This month we are featuring Board Member, John Barbee. Thank you for your hard work, vision and leadership in support of our mission!

Name:  John E Barbee

How long have you been serving on the Board at ICPYAS and what is your role?

I have served since about 2007 I believe. My role has been primarily serving as an advisory board member.

How did you learn about ICPYAS and become involved?

I learned about ICPYAS by being appointed to a facility search advisory committee when CP had to move from its founding location. I later was approached by a past board member who thought my relationships and business acumen could be beneficial to the organization.

What do you do for a living?

I am the Owner of several local businesses involving the real estate industry including brokerage, development, construction, service, and infrastructure systems.

What is your proudest ICPYAS moment?

Contributing and soliciting time, talent, and treasure to renovate, upgrade, and enhance the ICPYAS headquarters. Creating a comfortable and functional work space for ICPYAS to perform its mission.

What motivates you the most to serve others?

I enjoy supporting organizations that make a difference to the well being of the communities we live in.

What is your favorite quote and why?

Pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered. This is a quote I heard from an attorney one day and reminds me often that there is more to what we do each day than seeing how much money we can make.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Well there is not much of it! Ha.  However when there is I like to work with my hands, fish, and spend time on the lake with family.

What about ICPYAS’s mission and work really motivates you?

I lost a friend in 2011 to suicide. When they were still alive and depressed, I thought I was saying and doing the right things. In retrospect, I feel like I could have done more and want others to be educate and have that chance before a life close to them is taking for suicide.

What would you most like people to know about ICPYAS?

I want people to know that ICPYAS is a place full of information to create awareness and educate our communities to talk about the things we have so long hidden in the closet. I want them to know that ICPYAS can make a difference at their school, church, or other community organization through education.