Shemaine Bakir, an experienced leader in human resources, operations and organizational transformation, joined Franklin County DD in March as the agency’s HR director.

She most recently served as a regional executive director for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where she headed HR and administrative operations for more than 400 staff across eight countries. She is getting settled in the Columbus area after moving from South Africa.

“I’m passionate about public service,” said Bakir, who holds a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University. “Franklin County DD’s mission and commitment to serving individuals and families in our community immediately resonated with me.”

Bakir is from New York but lived in Ohio previously and still has important local connections. “Two of my children went to Otterbein University,” she said with a smile. “They didn’t want to leave.”

She’s looking forward to meeting staff members throughout the agency and learning more about the work that happens every day on behalf of people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. “I want staff to know that I’m joining Franklin County DD with a deep respect for the work you do and the services you provide,” Bakir said. “My goal is to build trust through consistency, follow-through, and keeping people at the center of how we work.”