Being an operations director at a large arena is not an easy task, but Jim Barbatti, operations director at the Show Me Center, can make his job look effortless.
Jim began working in this field as an operations foreman when a new building opened in Chattanooga, Tenn., because he says he was the only person who enjoyed the fluid environment and the long hours of the entertainment industry. Since then, he has worked at Southeast two different times for a total of 13 years.
“There is no normal day on the job. I collect and disseminate information and schedule and coordinate the physical operation of the building. Commencement, however, is one of my favorite times while working,” Jim says. “I enjoy watching the parents and families of our graduates see the culmination of the students’ efforts.”
When Jim is not on the job, he enjoys being outdoors while reading, hunting, golfing or shooting handguns. His favorite hobby, though, is fishing.
“I enjoy trying to outsmart a big, old bass. Unfortunately, they don’t trick easily. I suppose that’s why it’s called fishing, not catching,” Jim jokes.
Jim reads many books on historical depictions of the Civil War era, including Twilight at Little Round Top by Glenn LaFantasie and A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. He also enjoys listening to music by Stevie Ray Vaughn, Roy Orbison and Jefferson Airplane.
Having a civil engineer for a father, Jim has seen his share of the world, having traveled to Africa, Spain, Portugal, France, England, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and much of the United States. He says he would like to visit Australia and Southeast Asia, though, as well.
Jim warns students not to let his stern appearance fool them.
“I may seem a bit gruff, but I am always glad to lend a helping hand to any student who works hard and strives to succeed,” he said.