Barbara J Fife

Barbara Fife is Director of External Affairs at Baruch College’s School of Public Affairs, and co-director of the School’s Center for Innovation and Leadership in Government. She previously served as the director of graduate Executive Programs. From 1990-1994, Ms. Fife was New York City’s Deputy Mayor for Planning and Development. Her responsibilities included the Departments of City Planning, Housing Preservation and Development, Landmarks Preservation, Environmental Protection, Parks and Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Libraries. She was a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and chair of its Real Estate Committee, a member of the New York City Water Board, and vice chairperson of the Hudson River Park Conservancy. She also was the Mayor’s representative on the Boards of the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Museum and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. Barbara Fife previously served as the Senior Special Assistant and acting Chief of Staff to the Manhattan Borough President. From 1982 to 1984, she was director of Internship Programs in the Department of Urban Planning at Hunter College. She was a Democratic National Committeewoman from 1980 to 1990 and was a member of the New York State Democratic Committee for 20 years. Ms. Fife serves on the board of several non-profit organizations, including the Museum of the City of New York, the Public Art Fund, Regional Plan Association, Manhattan Theatre Club, Project FIND, Settlement Housing Fund and the New York League of Conservation Voters. She graduated cum laude from Bryn Mawr College and holds a Master’s in Urban Planning from Hunter College.