Robert Barlow is a servant leader whose work sits at the intersection of people, purpose, and performance. His career spans over 20 years across the military, government, public sector, and education. A multi-state HR partner in supply-chain operations, he supports large, diverse frontline teams through data-informed decision-making, practical coaching, and clear accountability. He is dedicated to reducing avoidable turnover, strengthening safety and engagement, and building equitable pathways for advancement—especially for employees who are often overlooked.

Robert’s north star is creating access. He designs youth programs that blend mentorship with STEM and the arts, pairs students with professional role models, and equips families with tools for advocacy and persistence. He helps convene civic and community partners to expand tutoring, scholarships, and career exploration, enabling young people to see themselves as innovators and leaders. He also lends his voice to initiatives that improve maternal and infant health outcomes and organizes community events that mobilize volunteers, celebrate local culture, and connect neighbors to resources.

A U.S. Navy veteran and former Navy Chief, Robert brings a trauma-informed lens to every table. His lived experience—including aging out of foster care—grounds his belief that talent is universal but opportunity is not. That belief fuels his work in building mentorship maps, wraparound supports, and stable housing and educational pipelines for youth transitioning to adulthood.

As a board member, Robert contributes rigor and heart: governance discipline, measurable goals, and a bias for partnership. He is known for translating complex challenges into actionable plans, aligning stakeholders around clear outcomes, and telling the human story behind the data.

He is currently pursuing doctoral studies with a focus on improving outcomes for youth aging out of foster care. Robert often says leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about creating the conditions for others to thrive. Every role he holds, whether in the workplace or the community, is in service of that simple idea: widen the doorway, and more people can walk through.