Barbara "Babs" Deffenderfer is a Housing Program Manager at the Department of Housing. Babs joined the Department in 2017 as a Housing and Community Development Intern and became a Housing and Community Development Specialist just three months later. Babs was promoted to HCD Supervisor in 2021 and now serves as one of two Housing Program Managers for the Department’s Housing and Community Development team. Her new responsibilities include providing leadership for an expanded team of 29 Housing and Community Development staff. She thrives on helping DOH develop strong people, policies and procedures as the Department seeks to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the County’s growing housing needs.
With a passion for ensuring that San Mateo County residents of all incomes and abilities have a safe, stable and affordable home, Babs is highly regarded among regional and local housing leaders who admire her diplomacy, problem-solving abilities, innovative solutions, and strong commitment to collaboration and partnership.
During her six years with the County, she has taken advantage of the training and development opportunities offered by LMS and used the County’s tuition assistance program to secure a Masters Degree in Public Administration in May of 2023. Bab’s has received a number of County commendations and was selected to participate in the San Mateo County Leadership Council’s Emerging Leaders Program, a 10-month, immersive, professional development experience for rising stars from the business, nonprofit, and government sectors who demonstrate leadership potential and are committed to supporting inclusive environments in their organization and community.
Outside of work, Babs enjoys spending time with her wife Justine, playing the banjo, biking, hiking and exploring the beauty of the Bay Area.
