Title: Director of Engineering
Company: Highgate
Location: New Milford, New Jersey, United States
Rashiek E. Barber, Director of Engineering at Highgate, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Engineers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Engineering Maintenance, Facility Operations and Mechanical Systems.
Lauded for his success and tenure spanning engineering maintenance, facility operations and mechanical systems, Mr. Barber’s current role as the director of engineering at Highgate since 2025 has him overseeing capital expenditure projects, managing vendor relations for both short- and long-term initiatives, and leading full property renovations and retrofitting programs. He also sits on the advisory commissioning board and the engineering council at Highgate, guiding engineers on local laws, compliance regulations and sustainability initiatives. Mr. Barber’s role further includes active participation in the Highgate Green Committee with a focus on sustainability.
Before joining Highgate, Mr. Barber served as the chief engineer with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union No. 94 from 2018 to 2025. In this position, he managed complex building systems and was recognized as the only engineer assigned to the U.S. mission to the United Nations. Mr. Barber’s tenure included oversight of tenant relations and contract reviews under six sitting ambassadors, as well as collaboration with government agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency and the General Services Administration. He also held a top-secret security clearance, a credential that underscores his trusted expertise in critical operations.
Between 2010 and 2018, Mr. Barber worked as a subcontractor for the U.S. Department of State and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration through FBS Intelligent Engineering, now Farrelly Building Services. His responsibilities included safety consulting for hospitality clients and managing facilities in locations ranging from Hawaii to California. During this period, Mr. Barber developed a reputation for adaptability across diverse environments and contributed to projects involving government buildings vital to national operations.
Mr. Barber’s earlier career at CBRE from 2002 to 2010 marked significant milestones in his professional development. Rising from various key roles to chief engineer and property supervisor between 2006 and 2007, he managed day-to-day operations at a 780,000-square-foot Drug Enforcement Administration building in New York City near Chelsea Piers. Mr. Barber handled vendor relations, tenant communications and operational oversight while leading high-profile projects, such as the High Line urban park initiative in Chelsea. His innovative approach to building management systems allowed him to master complex forecasting processes and train others on best practices.
A lifelong learner dedicated to continuous improvement, Mr. Barber holds an Associate in Applied Science in environmental engineering control technologies since 2024 and a Bachelor of Technology in facility management and sustainability, magna cum laude, since 2026, from the New York City College of Technology. His commitment to professional development is evident through an impressive array of certifications from leading institutions, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, including credentials in environmental protection, lead data mapping, algal bloom prediction, stormwater modeling and CFC universal certification, dating back to 2005, as well as specialized training from Carrier Climate Solutions Transportation and the International Facility Management Association’s (IFMA) Greater New York City chapter. Additional certifications from Skillsoft cover leadership insights, communication skills, conflict management and agile methodologies, among others.
Mr. Barber’s leadership is further demonstrated through his involvement in numerous professional organizations. He serves as the president of the IFMA’s New York City College of Technology student chapter and holds a governing membership on the advisory commission board at the New York City College of Technology. Additional affiliations include membership with the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Project Management Institute, the National Society of Black Engineers, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers and, among others, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Mr. Barber is also actively engaged with undergraduate research programs, such as the C2SMART Research Scholars Program at The City University of New York.
Civically engaged, Mr. Barber enjoys volunteering at soup kitchens, collaborating with the parks department on playground cleanups and working alongside the Natural Areas Conservancy. These initiatives demonstrate his commitment to giving back to his community beyond professional obligations.
Mr. Barber’s contributions extend into research presentations as an author of several publications and collaborations. Notably, he has served as a panelist speaker at several events, including those hosted by IFMA’s Greater New York chapter, where he addressed topics such as vendor relations. Mr. Barber has also spoken at World Workplace conferences organized by IFMA.
Throughout his journey, Mr. Barber has been celebrated for major accomplishments, including being featured in industry publications about artificial intelligence’s impact on facilities management and earning recognition for tenant relations excellence. He is especially proud of his distinction as the only engineer assigned to the U.S. mission to the United Nations, a testament to his technical acumen and reliability.
Among numerous accolades received in 2026 alone, Mr. Barber was recognized with a Bridging Gaps Award from IFMA’s Greater New York City, was named the Black Winner Semiannual Manager of the Year and the Manager of the Year at Highgate, and received the Leaders Worldwide Men to Watch Award from Black Leaders Worldwide. During college, he garnered multiple scholarship awards, including those from the IFMA Foundation and the Union Plus Scholarship Program.
What sets Mr. Barber apart is his extensive life experience shaped by growing up in the North Bronx area of New York among diverse cultures and nationalities. This background fostered a deep understanding of different perspectives and honed his ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels, from influential executives to hourly staff members. Mr. Barber’s proactive problem-solving approach is matched by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and resilience developed through navigating adversity since childhood.
Looking ahead, Mr. Barber is committed to managing company portfolios within his industry while sharing benchmarking practices that promote efficiency and reduce global emissions, efforts aimed at securing a better future for coming generations. His research-driven approach informs initiatives designed not only to improve operational outcomes but also to educate others about sustainable living practices that benefit both communities and planetary health.
Additionally, Mr. Barber enjoys writing books and is currently working on an inspirational volume reflecting on mentorships and overcoming industry hurdles. His legacy is defined by excellence in engineering, maintenance and facility operations, coupled with a passion for mentorship across all age groups. These qualities continue to shape both Mr. Barber’s career trajectory and his positive impact on those around him.
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