Delivers shareholder value at the intersection of strategy, operations, technology, and human capital


Barbara Spitzer
Barbara, a dynamic and visionary leader who, after a 32-year career in some of the world’s largest professional services firms, now serves as Chief People Officer for Arabella Advisors. Barbara’s board service incudes private companies and US and global non-profits. She is also an adjunct faculty member and guest lecturer at New York University and Columbia University.
Unyielding in her commitment to making a profound impact, Barbara has established herself as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, a sought-after advisory board member, and board director. Her accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the organizations she serves, amplifying their purpose and guiding them toward impact and financial success.
With her exceptional leadership skills, business acumen, and dedication to excellence, Barbara is poised to bring her transformative influence into the boardroom, guiding innovation and strategic decision-making for the betterment of organizations and long-term shareholder value.
Barbara is an NACD Certified Board Director.
Clients Served
The Chapters of My Career
Chapter 1. Discovering my love of business and learning to be a road warrior.
While earning my Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology, I realized I was passionate about helping organizations be places where people can learn, grow, and be fulfilled. I set out to work in consulting and landed my first job at Ernst & Young. I also summited Mt. Rainier and became a certified scuba diver. Visit my website: www.barbaraunderwater.com
Chapter 2. Loving my work and circling the globe.
Over the years, I earned progressively responsible roles in some of the world’s most prestigious strategy consulting firms, where I have been a Global and North American Practice lead running large P&Ls, developing people, and innovating services; New York Office Managing Director building community, stakeholder engagement and commercial markets; Account Executive growing revenues from $0 to multi-millions, delivering client value; and an individual contributor with a proven track record producing commercial success year over year. I traveled the world, accumulating four million air miles and over 500 scuba dives, becoming an accomplished underwater photographer.
Chapter 3. Continuing my contribution to business by building a robust portfolio career.
Two Rivers Partners allowed me to continue to advise clients as a consultant or fractional executive, serve on corporate boards, and fulfill my purpose through various non-profit and philanthropic endeavors. I continue traveling to faraway places and honing my underwater photography skills while cherishing my beloved family and friends.
I am traveling to faraway places and honing my underwater photography skills while cherishing my beloved family and friends.
Chapter 4. An unplanned return to work.
The unexpected opportunity to serve as Arabella Advisor’s Chief People Officer aligns perfectly with my career trajectory. This role uniquely combines my passion for purpose-led work and social sector experience, my deep understanding of the professional services industry, and my expertise in modern HR practices. It offers a platform to leverage these skills meaningfully, driving organizational success while contributing to critical social causes.
Client and Partner Feedback
“Barbara was Accenture’s executive lead for a large-scale transformation of the Merchandising organization when I was SVP HR for one of the largest off-price retailers. Barbara’s team helped mitigate the risk of change by aligning over 100 leaders around the vision and strategy. Barbara is the kind of advisor who asks the right questions, listens, and quickly crafts solutions. She builds enduring relationships, evidenced by my engaging her while at a different employer. She is a strategic thinker with a bias for action.”
Susan K.
“Barbara was my executive advisor, President of the National Organization on Disability, and advisor to our board of directors for over 2 years. She helped us create a new revenue stream focused on increasing disability inclusion in the workplace, advising me on a range of topics, including Board preparation and governance matters, organization design, team effectiveness, and strategy. Barbara is a rare talent who quickly assesses the landscape, identifies risk by asking the right questions, and develops actions to mitigate risk and innovate. Our relationship continues beyond those years, and I know I can tap her expertise whenever needed.”
Carol Glazer
“Barbara and I had the pleasure of working in the CEO Advisory Practice of Accenture. She led our strategic relationships within the Northeast, with deep relationships both in and outside of our organization. She led our team’s NY NACD Chapter sponsorship where she focused on delivering outstanding programs to board members and executives on current topics on the board’s agenda. Barbara is outstanding in a go-to-market role, with deep relationships across C-suites and boards. She loves to collaborate, is a strategic thinker, and is a lifelong learner with a heart focused on giving to others.”
Debra Everitt McCormack
“I had the great pleasure to partner with Barbara in driving a strategic Organization Design project, which helped establish the groundwork for OD in our organization. Barbara was our trusted advisor combining her deep, technical expertise and flexing to our unique needs. She is truly a partner to her clients and I very much look forward to working with her again in the future.”
Liz Pavese, PhD
“Barbara is a fantastic c-suite advisor and people leader. She leverages deep content knowledge, industry expertise and her network to develop creative solutions to complex problems. Barbara is dedicated to her work and driving outcomes for clients. She creates a culture of belonging, builds strong teams, and asks provocative questions to inspire, unleash creativity and expand impact.”
Esin Cooper
“If one has ever had the privilege of working with Barbara – client side, in her team, or as a peer – you know the positive learning and impact she’s made in your professional work life. I’m so thankful to have had her as a mentor, a coach, a peer, and a friend. I’m thankful for all I’ve learned, and would not be where I am today professionally without her coaching and guidance.”
Tyler Jackson D.
“I really enjoy working with Barbara. She is a truly transformational leader and has a remarkable ability to connect with senior leadership, establish trust and excel at building high-performing teams. She knows how to grow businesses and is a natural at building long-term client relationships. Her warm smile and passion for her work is contagious making her an invaluable asset in any organization. Can’t wait to work with her again!”