3 minute read
Leading in Service to Others
Q&A with Jennifer Craighead Carey, Managing Partner at Barley Snyder LLP
BY MEGAN KREISER | ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS
Q: What has your career journey been with Barley Snyder?
I’ve been with Barley Snyder for more than 30 years. I am a proud Millersville University and Dickinson School of Law alum. After law school, I joined Barley Snyder as an associate in the firm’s Employment Practice Group. I represent clients on the management side, counseling businesses on employment matters and defending them in employment related lawsuits. I became a partner at the firm in 2001. I previously served as chair of the Employment Practice Group for 14 years in addition to other leadership roles.
Q: What is your vision as you step into this leadership role?
On the growth side, I do not want head count for the sake of head count – our goal is to continue to grow strategically. The chief strategy officer position we created works with the management committee to help identify lateral hires and bring in specialized expertise to the firm. For example, within trusts and estates, we acquired an attorney in Reading certified in elder law. He is really valuable with helping clients navigate Medicare Medicaid and Social Security. In our York office, we have an attorney who is an expert in liquor license law and he has built a team to serve clients in this area.
Q: What are you most excited to do and address in this role?
Like our former managing partner, Jeff Lobach, I am focused on improving firm culture for employees at all levels. I also want to enhance the opportunities to continue our Practice Excellence® initiative. We continue to develop techniques and processes for delivering work in the most efficient way possible in accordance with each practice. Our Practice Excellence® committee maps our processes, eliminates waste and improves responses.
Q: Why did you decide to be a leader in York County?
I grew up in Central Pennsylvania and I am connected to the community. I also love my clients and the firm’s commitment to community service.
Q: What does being a leader mean to you?
I believe the term “servant leader” gets overused a lot. However, I do believe that leadership is in service to others and when people feel engaged and heard, they are more satisfied and productive. I am committed to leadership that is focused on culture and empowering others while delivering exceptional service to our clients.
Q: What are your three favorite things about York County?
Firstly, the strength of leadership within the business community and their commitment to community service. York County has exceptional institutions in WellSpan Health and York College of Pennsylvania, to name a few, and their boards benefit from leaders who care about and are invested in the community.
Secondly, the remodeled Yorktowne Hotel which is adjacent to our York office. And lastly, the great state parks and hiking and biking trails.
