This month we want to showcase our very talented Barbara Chien, Marden-Kane Controller. Barbara, who always has a smile on her face and nice things to say to everyone, will celebrate her 31st anniversary with Marden-Kane later this year. Ever wonder how she does it? Read on!
Self Portrait by Barbara Chien
What is Your Role at Marden-Kane?
I am currently the Controller at Marden-Kane, and for the past thirty years my role and primary responsibilities have been to provide financial information needed for management decision making. That’s not to say that my head is always in a ledger; I also interact with all my colleagues assisting them in their day-to-day accounting needs.
What were Your Biggest Accomplishments at Marden-Kane?
My biggest accomplishment and my favorite memory at Marden-Kane are one and the same. In 2008 I was voted “Employee of the Year” by my fellow colleagues and received a wonderful Award. Being recognized by your peers is truly a great honor which I will remember and hold dear for many years to come.
Barbara Chien Accepting her Employee of the Year Award in 2008
Tell Us Some Things Most People Don’t Know About You.
Since I was young I always aspired to be an artist, but my father had a different path for me and I was forced to study accounting instead. In hindsight, I now thank my father for my career and all the benefits it provided for me and my family. However, my aspirations to be an artist never truly went away, so now I am back to my first passion…painting! I have been taking painting classes for the past 4 years and have completed over 50 watercolor and pastel paintings.
What Are Your 3 Favorite Things?
- My family
- Art and Photography
- Travel
What is Your Proudest Moment?
Being a part of my granddaughter’s life and watching her grow and learn. At 7 years of age she was able to recite by memory an entire poem in perfect Chinese. Very impressive!
What was the Last Book You Read?
I belong to a book club, meeting once a month. We discuss more than just books, like the arts, literature and even taxes. I love when we select newly published books written in Chinese, this way I can keep up with what is current in Chinese literature. I am currently reading “I Remember Nothing” by Nora Ephron. I enjoy reading her books as she is known for retaining a magnetic hold on her reader’s attention.
Want to ask Barbara a question? Contact us.
To see more Employee Spotlights in the Marden-Kane newsletter add your name to our newsletter list.