Barbara Royal, MA, CASE

Barbara Royal, MA, CASE, is the founder of Momentum and served as its CEO until her retirement in 2017. Since its inception in 2002, Momentum has been changing the landscape of possibilities for aspiring executive women, developing their leadership skills and increasing their numbers, effectiveness and visibility. In turn, these women shape policy in their organizations and communities, impacting hundreds of women in their workplace and local networks. More than 350 high-level women have graduated from Momentum and continue to be involved in mentoring and community events to advance women in leadership through the Momentum Alumnae Program.

Prior to Momentum, Barbara served as Executive Director of Discovery Place and Discovery 2000, and in turn developed the groundwork for McWane Science Center. She is a graduate of Leadership Birmingham and Leadership America.

Barbara serves as a Robert Wood Johnson Fellows mentor, on the National Advisory Forum of the Women’s Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, in Dallas, Texas, on the Board of the National Association of Children’s Healthcare Quality in Boston, MA, on the UAB President’s Advisory Council and President of Harbert Center Management, Inc. Barbara was named a Top Ten Birmingham Businesswomen by Birmingham Business Journal in 1990, one of 25 Intriguing People To Watch in 2003 by Birmingham magazine, a 2004 Women of Distinction by Cahaba Girl Scouts and has served extensively on civic boards.

Barbara and her husband Stuart have two children, five grandchildren, and live in Forest Park.