Barb Downs: A Woman Who Means Business

Barb Downs, CDPHP^® senior vice president and chief operating officer, joins an elite group of local businesswomen who have been recognized for their leadership and contributions to the Capital Region workforce. She and the other 2014 winners – Kim Fine, executive vice president and chief strategy officer, Albany Medical Center; Tracy L. Metzger, president, TL Metzger & Associates; Laura Schweitzer, Ph.D., president, Union Graduate College; and Nancy Trimbur, senior vice president, Stewart’s Shops – were recently honored at a special luncheon.

During a panel discussion moderated by Trudy Hall, head of school, Emma Willard School, the honorees shared their personal stories of the challenges and triumphs they encountered along their unique career paths.

“Work to become, not to acquire,” Downs told the crowd, referencing a sign that she keeps in her office.

From her start as a practicing registered nurse to her current position at CDPHP, Downs has dedicated her career to the health care industry. With more than 25 years of health care administration experience, Downs oversees the development and implementation of defined strategic initiatives for CDPHP. Over the years, she has bestowed her wisdom upon many in the industry, including CDPHP staff and junior management.

In the community, Downs has taken a unique approach to showing her support for various causes. An avid cyclist, she participates in the annual Ride for Missing Children, a 100-mile bike ride that raises funds for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children – New York and delivers a message of safety to children around the region. She also rides in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure fundraiser.

Congratulations to Downs and all the winners! You can read more about each of the honorees in the Albany Business Review.