Driven by her commitment to serve as a catalyst to build successful futures for BrightDot clients through creative solutions, education, and values-based leadership, Barbara serves as Senior Growth and Development Strategist for the company.

In 2018, as Executive Director of General Hugh Shelton Leadership Center, Barbara handpicked BrightDot to assist the organization to develop short-and-long range strategies for financial growth and endowments. The results were beyond expectations. Barbara gives much credit to BrightDot for bringing life to the Center’s mission to ‘Lead the Future with Values.’ 

“I enjoyed working with their team so much, I found I was getting them involved in other community boards I serve,” she continues. “At this point in my life, I’m here to serve others. I want to use my hard-won experience in business and on boards to help others. Supporting BrightDot’s mission to empower nonprofit leaders to achieve unparalleled fundraising success, I’m able to exponentially serve many more people.” 

With over 30 years of business experience, leading 230 employees and multiple offices for Mulkey Engineers & Consultants, Inc., Barbara has received dozens of awards and recognitions. They include:

• Triangle Business Journal Legacy Leader
• Triangle Business Journal Lifetime Achievement Award
• Blue Chip Enterprise Award, US Chamber of Commerce
• Small Businessperson of the Year for the State of North Carolina 

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Civil Engineering degree, both magna cum laude, from NC State University.

Barbara regularly accepts speaking engagements on a variety of topics, including entrepreneurship, values-based leadership, small business, education, women in business, work and family, and other topics.

Spending time with family is Barbara’s favorite pastime: husband Jim, three adult children and their spouses, and three grandchildren. She loves to read, enjoys playing the piano and racquetball, and taking her kayak on quiet trips along the coastal sound.