Black Caucus Member Spotlight: Damein P. Baity

Damein P. Baity has more than twenty years of accounting experience, which includes eighteen years in municipal government. He is currently employed by the City of Birmingham where he is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Birmingham Public Library system.  Damein has served in various roles in both the government and private sector throughout his career including as an auditor, accountant, assistant controller, principal accountant and budget analyst.  Damein lives by the quote, “Leadership is service, not a position.”

In addition to working with the City of Birmingham, Damein gives back to the community by serving on numerous boards. Damein serves as Vice Chair of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Black Caucus and the Committee on Economic Development and Capital Planning for the GFOA. He also serves on the Alabama Regional Medical Services Board and the Alabama State University Foundation Board. Damein enjoys serving as a youth mentor for local students in the Birmingham school system. Damein has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Alabama State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Talladega College. He is an inductee of the Alabama State University Fifty Under Fifty Alumni Award, an honor given to alumni that have made notable achievements, that have exhibited leadership and dedication within their profession and community. Damein is also a member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society.

Three Questions

What is the current (or most recent) book you are reading?

The last book I read was The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. This book is centered around teamwork and the pitfalls organizations face by not addressing issues that exist like trust, constructive conflict, commitment, accountability, and results.

Who is the person that influenced you most in your life?

My mother is the person who influenced me the most. She worked tirelessly to provide for the family, and she taught me to work hard for the things I want in life. 

Favorite personal motto or quote?

You speak death or life with the power of the tongue. This reminds me to speak life and positivity into my situation rather than negativity.