He is the son of a long-time, Corvallis Rotarian. Growing up, he can remember helping his dad with Rotary-related mailing projects. Rotary youth exchange was part of his family’s commitment. From an early age and into adulthood, Rich Barker can remember this admonition from his dad: “Join Rotary.”
That day came nine years ago when after Rich and his family (wife: Kelly Portnoff; son, Jett): located in Portland from Orange County, Calif.
Speaking Aug. 24 as Rotarian of the Day (masked, he said, because he had an important vacation looming in two days), Rich admitted that in his financial advisor role with Merrill Lynch, “Most people don’t know what I do.” Typically it begins with consultations of financial investments and leads to investment strategies. But in private, he said, “Everything else starts tumbling out.” The confidence his accounts place with him (and the confidentiality he cited) give him a “fascinating…rewarding” career.
Rich visited other Portland-area clubs before joining the Pearl club nine years ago this fall. “It really clicked here…lots of great people and great [service] activities here.”
But he joked in closing, the final hook: “It was Jerry’s [Baysinger’s] singing!”
