Keniece Barbee, Chief of Staff
Meet Keniece Barbee, Chief of Staff. Keniece joined CRA in 2016, bringing a breadth of experience managing high-level executives that worked with U.S. House and Senate members and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. She provides strategic management to CRA and its Board of Directors to advance our organization’s priorities and goals. Keniece is also Director of Member Services of the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC), where she works to provide PBPC members with the resources to make their businesses thrive in the bioproduct market. As one of the longest tenured employees at CRA, Keniece provides invaluable insight and expertise for our team.
Read on to learn more about Keniece, in her own words:
Q: How long have you been with the Corn Refiners Association, and what is your role in the organization?
I joined the CRA Team in February 2016 as an Executive Assistant, managing the calendar for the President & CEO. In the first year I was asked to work with our CFO and assist staff with our accounting program as well as handle scheduling and logistics of all CRA Board of Directors meetings. I continue to work closely with the CEO, Director of Operations and Vice-President to assist in scheduling and efficiency of staff projects. As Director of Board and Member Services I lead scheduling and logistics of in person CRA Committee and Board of Directors meetings. I also serve as Director, Member Services of the Plant Based Products Council, a separate entity CRA launched in January 2019.
Q: What’s a typical day at work like for you?
Typical does not describe my day! Being one of the longest tenured employees at CRA, I’ve managed to insert myself into most things. One could say that I may or may not be a scheduling control freak. Whether I’m looking to plan an industry event, committee meeting, helping to manage the CEO’s calendar or welcoming a new member to the Plant Based Products Council, every day is different and full of adventures.
Q: What do you like most about your job/working at CRA?
There are two things I love most about working with CRA. The first is our team. In our office we like to call ourselves a “Team of Leaders” and that is exactly what we strive to be each day. Every team member brings something special to what we do daily, and I find myself learning from each of them. Second, I enjoy being able to work closely with our CRA members and industry partners.
Q: How has your past experience prepared you for your current role?
Prior to CRA, I worked as an Assistant Controller and as an Executive Assistant for a high-level Executive that worked almost every day of the year. I had to schedule multiple meetings all over the world, manage a calendar that was busy for 345 days of the year. I scheduled meetings with U.S. House and Senate members and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. My broad experience as an Executive Assistant and accounting background has allowed me to juggle many projects, calendars and assist with budget planning.
Q: How do you spend your time away from the office? Do you have any special hobbies?
When I am away from the office, I am busy being a mom. I have always been a team mom or coach. I am proud to be an Air Force Mom and am in the home stretch with a sophomore and junior in high school. They both participate in competitive travel sports and on their high school teams.