It is very difficult to imagine Momentum without Barbara Royal, and fortunately we won’t have to. Although Barbara announced last week she will be stepping down September 1st after fifteen years as CEO at Momentum, she will remain engaged with Momentum as a consultant for special projects. We simply cannot thank Barbara enough for all that she has done for women in Alabama–collectively, professionally, and personally.
“I can think of very few women who have had the level of influence on professional women in Alabama that Barbara has had,” said Vickie Saxon, President of Momentum’s board of directors. “In addition to extraordinary vision, Barbara has a gift for bringing together all of the elements that make Momentum a truly unique experience for every participant,” Saxon said. “We have never uncovered another program like it anywhere; Barbara has built something that is truly unique and our business community is very fortunate to have a program of this caliber for their top female talent.”
As Barbara reminded us in her written statement to the Momentum Alumnae Program members: “Momentum is in the best overall position it has ever been relative to its standing. Our robust strategic plan, strong board, talented staff, and supportive alumnae are well-equipped to continue to expand our programs and maintain our upward trajectory in the years to come.”
Many leaders in the state have recognized the positive impact of Barbara’s work with Momentum and her many other business and community contributions since moving to Alabama from Boston over 35 years ago. She was instrumental in promoting ‘hands on’ learning in Alabama and laying the foundation for the McWane Science Center in the former Loveman’s building in downtown Birmingham. She has contributed service and raised funding for many nonprofits, including UAB, The Women’s Fund, and the YWCA of Central Alabama.
Royal will be honored with the upcoming This is Alabama’s 2017 “Women Who Shape the State” award, as well as a 2017 SMART honoree award by The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham. She looks forward to continued engagement in community, travel and enjoying her family, including husband Dr. Stuart Royal and their five grandchildren. Read the full release here.
