Barbara Donaldson

About Barbara Donaldson

As the leader of an organization within a technology firm, Barbara has experience managing a global team including REF, Security and Safety, and Human Resources. As an expert in location strategies that align with talent acquisition, she\'s had responsibility for the people and places in over 30 countries that create an environment that fuels innovation and collaboration. Barbara is a creative problem solver and sees opportunities where others may see barriers. She accelerates solutions, harness the best in others, and align teams towards mutual goals. Barbara is passionate about the environment, a critical factor for our work and business community, and she led her company to achieve a Carbon Neutral designation and in assessing renewal energy sources. Barbara has been responsible for Business Continuity and led the global oversight of the response to the COVID pandemic. She is leading an initiative to envision how the “working from home” experience will inform the workplace of the future and how, when and where people will work. Barbara has long term established relationships in the industry which enable her to maneuver within competitive real estate markets. She has led end to end projects on site selection, design and relocation strategy for headquarters in Silicon Valley, and large developments in China and India. Her industry knowledge partnered with strategic relationships has enabled her to secure long-term cost-effective solutions that align with business strategy. Barbara serves on the Board of Upward Women, an organization that cultivates collaboration and development for executive women across all industries. She also has served on the Board of CoreNet Global where she served as Governance Committee Chair. Barbara’s leadership skills in influence, conflict resolution, and managing through ambiguity have contributed to her many years of success and is often asked to speak and participate in panel discussions.

Experience

1. VP People and Workplace Resources

   Synopsys Inc

   Aug 1995 — Present

   Senior Vice President of Workplace Resources at Synopsys. Joined Synopsys in 1995, and currently managing a global real estate and facilities team and safety & security, with responsibility for more than 125 sites in 30 countries, and experience managing the International Human Resources team.While managing the complexity of an operating budget of over $180M across 30 countries, focus is to enhance the company\'s competitive advantage by providing an exceptional work environment, and supporting company growth with broad based knowledge with regard to mergers/acquisition integration, portfolio management and vendor partnerships. Partnered with Finance and business leaders to developed a 5 year real estate plan aligning strategic and operating objectives to optimize financial investments and support profit margin targets. Represented Synopsys as a Silicon Valley YWCA TWIN (Tribute to Women) award recipient. This prestigious award recognizes women who exemplify excellence in executive level positions. In 2013, recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as a Real Estate Women of Influence. Barbara enjoys mentoring opportunities, and is on the Board for Upward - an organization focused on uniting professional women and accelerating relationships & development. An active member of CoreNet, recently serving as Governance Committee Chair on the CoreNet Global Board of Directors. Active in the local Northern California Chapter, with past leadership roles including President, Executive Vice President, Programs Co-Chair, and Co-Chair of the Community Reinvestment Committee. In 2012, awarded the CoreNet Real Estate Executive of the Year award for the Northern California Chapter. Reinvesting in community and industry, participating in CoreNet community events and hosting interns from various local universities. Through CoreNet Global, achieved a Masters of Corporate Real Estate (MCR) designation, and through IFMA, Certified Facility Management (CFM).

Education

• Columbia University in the City of New York

  MBA

  2007 — 2009

• University of San Francisco

  Organizational Behavior

• U.C. Berkeley

  MBA

  2007 — 2009