Richard (RJ) Barber

Tell us briefly about yourself and please update your classmates on your personal/professional experiences since graduating from BLI: I’m thankful to now be in my 15^th year in the financial services industry as an Investment Advisor & Financial Consultant. Since BLI, I had the great opportunity to join the investment team at Visions FCU and am now in my 7^th year of service. Visions continues to grow and is a leader in the financial services industry. On the personal side, my family has grown considerably since the program. My wife Michele and I reside in Vestal with our three children. With the kids ranging in age from 3-15 and very active….there’s never a dull moment.

Favorite books/movies: I have no particular favorite but enjoy anything related to history, politics and investing (I’m a non-fiction kind of guy).

Current and Past Notable Civic Activities: SUNY Broome Alumni Board of Directors, BLI Alumni Board of Directors, American Cancer Society, Dollars for Scholars, Rotary.

Interests/Hobbies: Family travel, athletics (golf, downhill skiing), DIY home improvements, Investing.

How did your BLI experience change your perception of the community? I didn’t realize the depth our area has in areas such as the arts, education and cultural diversity.

How did your BLI experience motivate you to become more involved in the community? It reinforced my appreciation for our area and raised my awareness of key challenges we face.

What was your most memorable BLI activity/moment? First session/Team Building…It’s always interesting to see how quickly personalities emerge when you’re dependent on others to complete a task and have to work as a unit rather than an individual.

What was the most valuable benefit to you from your BLI experience? The education and the network

What “nugget of wisdom” do you have for your fellow BLI alum? Be informed….know the issues that affect your community and get involved when you can