Barbara Gelman has been a resident of Pierce County since 1943, is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, and makes her home in the Parkland area with husband Herb, a Tacoma attorney. They have raised four children. Barbara was elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006.
While serving as Pierce County councilmember for the Parkland/Spanaway area, Council District #3, from 1983 until 1992, she became well known for her work in fighting pornography and bringing new industry to Pierce County, eliminating the county solid waste incinerator, and promoting recycling. For five years Barbara produced and directed the Pierce County public affairs program 'Pierce County Speaks.'
Barbara also served as Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer. She is affiliated with the following professional and community organizations: Broadway Center fo the Performing Arts, Washington Association of County Officials, Puget Sound Council of Governments, Tacoma-Pierce County Arts Commission, Economic Development Corporation of Pierce County, Central Puget Sound Economic Development Board, and is currently a member of the Washington State Association of County Assessors, Washington State Association of County Treasurers, International Association of Assessing Officers, and served as board member of the Puget Sound District of the Washington State Association of County Assessors
Her community service includes membership in the Tacoma-Pierce County Bicentennial Commission, League of Women Voters, Tacoma-Pierce County Municipal League, Law League of Pierce County, South County Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club of Tacoma.
Barbara represents most of south Tacoma, a portion of east Tacoma, Parkland, Midland, and part of Spanaway.
