Profiles in Service

Kathryn Barger

Board Member
County Supervisor
Los Angeles County, Calif.

Number of years involved in NACo: Nearly three years

Years in public service: Over 30 years

Occupation: Los Angeles County Supervisor

Education: Bachelor of Arts form Ohio Wesleyan University

The hardest thing I’ve ever done is: Running for office for the first time — a challenge that was well worth it! I am so honored to represent an incredible district and I am passionate about providing my constituents with quality programs and responsive service.

Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: I would invite great historic figures whose leadership helped guide our world through tough times — Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Margaret Thatcher.

A dream I have is to: Finally ensure those with mental illness get the life-saving care they need.

You’d be surprised to learn: I never planned to seek elective office but after many years in public service, I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

I’m most proud of: The many partnerships we have developed in our cities and unincorporated areas. Results come from people working together in a cooperative, nonpartisan way to solve problems and improve the quality of life for our constituents.

Every morning I read: All the local news.

My favorite meal is: Anything Mexican and spicy!

My pet peeve is: Tardiness. It shows disrespect. Being late says to others that you think your time is more valuable than their time.

My motto is: Respect others and choose your battles.

The last book I read was: Measure What Matters by John Doerr

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: Walk the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain.

My favorite movie is: Romantic comedies like The Holiday always fit the bill

My favorite music: Songs like “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest.

My favorite U.S. president: The great communicator, Ronald Reagan

My district is a NACo member because: Counties matter and counties need to work together to move our communities and our nation forward to a prosperous future for current and future generations.

Hero 1

A recent influx of tornadoes throughout the month of May has devastated counties across the country, from Idaho to New Jersey.

The city of Spokane and Spokane County addressed their refuse woes with a waste-to-energy plant that is running well 27 years later.

One of the federal government’s challenges in addressing the opioid epidemic springs from comparing the speed with which addiction can take hold and spread to the movement of bureaucracy.

Together, King and Pierce counties make up almost half of Washington state’s population, and the lion’s share of its children. With that comes a responsibility — which both counties have seized — to shepherd them to a safe, healthy and successful adulthood.

In The Principles of Scientific Management, Frederick Winslow Taylor wrote, “The principal object of management should be to secure the maximum prosperity for the employer, coupled with the maximum prosperity for each employee.” Prosperity, as he defined it, was about higher wages and, importantly, the development of each employee to his or her

Melissa McKinlay Board Member County Commissioner, Palm Beach County, Fla.

Along any journey, we’ll make mistakes. We’ll make improper decisions and have illogical actions. It’s been said that these missteps in our past — our past actions — cannot be erased. That’s true and simply means that the consequences of your actions never leave you. They’re part of your path, journey and story.

Melissa McKinlay Board Member County Commissioner, Palm Beach County, Fla.

Learn how workforce boards can use the flexibility of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to rethink workforce policies and invest resources to create a future-forward workforce system, while hearing best practice examples from both urban and rural counties and regions.

Incivility in the workplace isn’t just disruptive – it’s a productivity and engagement killer that costs organizations millions of dollars annually, drives employee departures and can even cause stress-related illnesses. Why is it so common – and how do you combat it? Join Dr.

Elected officials are faced with difficult topics, conflicting solutions, and multiple stakeholders every day. Do you have the skills to successfully negotiate solutions? This seminar examines the art and science behind finding consensus and explores methods and strategies to address challenging public issues.

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Profiles in Service - June 10, 2019

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Kathryn Barger

Counties grapple with tornado destruction

Waste-to-energy plant stems garbage tide in Spokane

Feds reposition to address rural challenges

Seattle-area counties address early childhood wellness

Control Things, Manage Processes, Lead People