Barbra Kavanaugh brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the legal, public, and nonprofit sectors. Her career includes significant roles in legal services, elected office, state government, and nonprofit executive leadership. She has served as an interim executive in a variety of mission-driven organizations, with budgets ranging from under $1 million to over $14 million.

Barbra began her professional career in Buffalo, New York, after graduation from SUNY Buffalo Law School. She had previously earned a BS in Communication from Seton Hall University in New Jersey.  Barbra spent 12 years as a legal services attorney in Buffalo, NY, providing civil legal representation to low-income individuals in the areas of housing, family law, consumer rights, and public benefits.

In 1996, Barbra was elected to the Buffalo City Council, serving until 1999. She then joined the Office of the New York State Attorney General, when she was appointed Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Buffalo Regional Office. In that role, she managed a team of attorneys and staff responsible for state litigation, regulatory enforcement, and public protection cases in Western New York.

After moving to Washington, DC, Barbra became Executive Director of the Employment Justice Center, where she led legal and advocacy efforts to support low-wage workers. She later co-founded and directed the DC Interim Executive Network; a membership group focused on strengthening nonprofit leadership during transitions.

Over the past decade, Barbra has taken on multiple interim executive roles, including Executive Director and COO positions in a wide range of organizations—spanning traditional nonprofits, associations, foundations, and international NGOs. Her experience includes leadership of organizations focused on food security, social justice, public health, and global education.

Barbra is known for her steady leadership during times of change, strong analytical and organizational skills, and ability to support boards and staff as they prepare for long-term leadership. Her approach is pragmatic, results-oriented, and tailored to the specific needs and stage of each organization she serves.

As a partner at Interim Executive Solutions, Barbra helps nonprofits navigate leadership transitions by recruiting, placing and supporting experienced interim non-profit executives.

Barbra lives in Delray Beach, Florida, with her wife and partner of 40 years. Their two adult sons continue to make their home in Buffalo, New York.

bk********@**********ec.org

LinkedIn: Barbra Kavanaugh