It is with a mix of support and sadness that we announce the departure of Andrea McCaskey as she embarks on her next chapter in life. Andrea has been more than a leader at Momentum—she has been a guiding light, a source of inspiration, and a dynamic catalyst to our growth.
Since joining Momentum in 2018 as Statewide Director of Programs, Andrea has redefined what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and humor. Tasked with expanding our offerings to early-to-mid career women, Andrea wasted no time getting that show on the road. In 2019, she launched the Upward program, which has since graduated 360 incredible women. The program’s success is not only reflected in its numbers—like the remarkable $300,600 in collective salary increases reported by the most recent Upward class alone—but also in the confidence, connections, and opportunities it has sparked for women across the state.
Andrea’s success didn’t stop with Upward. She went on to implement some of our most impactful programs to date:
- Virtual Training (2020): In response to the COVID pandemic, Andrea and her team quickly flipped our in-person leadership classes online, creatively coming up with ideas to bridge the interpersonal gaps left by a virtual experience. They also launched a free virtual training series, free and open to the public, which is still going strong today and serving over 1,000 each year.
- Momentum Leaders in Medicine (2021): Tailored for senior leaders at UAB Medicine, this program mirrors our flagship executive leadership program and has had a profound impact within Alabama’s largest single-site employer.
- Momentum in Huntsville (2022): Andrea expanded our footprint to North Alabama, bringing the executive program to the Rocket City and laying the groundwork for an Upward program set to launch next month.
- Momentum Works (2024): Always passionate about breaking barriers, Andrea led the collaborative effort to create this tuition-free program for underserved women. In its pilot year, the program far exceeded expectations, with 68% of participants achieving upward mobility and collectively earning $230,000 more in just six months.
Andrea’s ability to drive results is undeniable, but it’s her heart, humor, and dedication that truly left their mark. Whether she was leading a meditation, celebrating a participant’s promotion, or adding her signature humor to a Momentum video, Andrea brought an energy that was equal parts magical, wise, and very often, hilarious.
Her decision to leave Momentum isn’t an ending; it’s the start of an adventure. Andrea’s bucket list is as ambitious as she is, including global travel, learning to weld, play golf, and even drive a big rig! She also wants the freedom to take on some freelance and collaborative projects in line with some work she feels called to do. We have no doubt she’ll achieve these goals with the same purposeful intent and tenacity she’s brought to Momentum.
Andrea leaves behind a legacy of excellence, one that will continue under the leadership of Lindsey Setzer, now Director of Programs for Central Alabama, and Amy Gandy, Director of Programs for North Alabama. Both have been mentored by Andrea and are ready to carry on her level of unmatched excellence and innovation in leadership training for women, ensuring that Momentum’s mission thrives for years to come.
Andrea, while you may be leaving our office, your impact is forever woven into Momentum’s tapestry. We are forever grateful for your leadership, your friendship, your laughter, and your unwavering belief in the power of women. Wherever your adventures take you next, we know you’ll continue to inspire and motivate women to become ever-brighter versions of their authentic selves.
We love you more than you love milk chocolate with caramel, no salt–more than Brambleberry Crisp ice cream–more than hot chicken wings and waffles. We’ll miss you, my friend. We can’t wait to see what you do next!
