Photo courtesy of Design Within Reach.
DWR headquarters in
Connecticut
exclusively at DWR. Along with expanding our Studios, we are
also expanding the creative teams that have made our catalog and
website the dominant authority on modern furniture,” said Barry.
Iconic designer Jens Risom, now in his late 90s and one of the
forebears of modern design, is working with a new designer, Chris
Hardy, at DWR’s request. Together they are developing original
pieces. DWR is literally making design history by pairing these
two designers of stature to collaborate on a new series.
DWR has also developed its own brand-new textile collection,
created with trusted partners in Italy and New York and offered
for most of its in-stock upholstery collections. There are nine
new textiles ranging from sturdy cotton to luxurious velvet and
handsome alpaca wool.
As for diversions, what may not be a game changer but is
fun and exciting nonetheless is the Design and Architecture
Crossword, co-created by DWR and The New York Times. (Found
on the DWR website, it’s a one-of-a-kind amusement for design
junkies.)
By bringing together well-known designers, creating new
textiles and partnering with The New York Times for professional
amusement, DWR stays at the forefront of its field. And Barry
is there all the way. As the CHRO, she is using her strategic
acumen to ensure that DWR sustains its leading position in the
marketplace.
www.HRCI.org
Barry is at the center of the DWR nexus, pulling it all together.
Her contributions come at a critical juncture. She has helped
a growing company with new leadership and a geographical
relocation of headquarters. DWR was just named to the Top
Workplaces in Connecticut list by Hearst Media Services. It
was one of 35 companies and organizations chosen in southern
Connecticut, based solely on employee feedback. A total of
649 companies and 13,000 employees were surveyed. In 2012,
Barry’s team won the HR Team of the Year Award, presented
by the Southern Connecticut Chapter of the Society for Human
Resource Management. Barry is a great example of how an HR
leader can contribute strategically, providing the right kind of
innovation to an organization on the rise. ■
Marcella T. Barry, SPHR, chief HR officer
at Design Within Reach, earned her
credential in 2009. In 2013, Design
Within Reach won a place on the Top
Workplaces in Connecticut list. Barry has
more than 18 years of generalist
experience that has given her a wealth of
knowledge in executive coaching, talent
acquisition, strategic HR planning,
succession planning and change management.
2014: Volume I
CERTIFIED 47