Barua begins new role at Honolulu’s Dept. of Community Services

Joy Barua began his new role as the Deputy Director with the City & County of Honolulu’s Dept. of Community Services (DCS) on February 1. Previously, Barua served as the Senior Director of Government & Community Relations, and Community Benefit for Kaiser Permanente.

 

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DCS oversees programs to meet an array of needs for economically challenged individuals in Honolulu. DCS’s website states:

“DCS administers programs to meet the human services, workforce and housing needs of economically challenged individuals and families with special needs in the City and County of Honolulu. The department also administers state and federal funds intended to facilitate community and economic development for economically challenged neighborhoods and communities.”

As the chief operations executive under the DCS Director, Barua says he will oversee about $150 million in grants, investments, and resources to support areas such as housing, job-creation, elderly affairs, and economic and workforce development. Barua will also be serving as the public information officer for the department.

Barua recently received Pacific Business News’ “2020 Business Leader of the Year” award for his multi-sector work and impact in Hawaii’s non-profit, health, economic development, and philanthropy sectors over the course of 25 years.

Upon receiving the award, Barua told PBN:

“We are defined by how we make a difference. My motto, ‘I aspire to inspire, I live to give’ therefore informs all I do and defines my purpose as a leader – this means going beyond the everyday chore of running-shop and embracing uncertainty. I strongly believe that authentic leaders are driven to create impact and are guided by strong self and situational awareness as keys to success.”