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

35-year technology and human capital executive focused on the people aspects of technology-led transformation | Highly transferable skills across industries | Adept at orchestrating cross-functional and divisional dynamics with a total enterprise view.
barbara spitzer
barbara spitzer

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 NY 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.

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.

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.

Testimonials

What My Clients Say?

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.
Senior Vice President, Corporate Human Resources
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.
John Doe
Designer
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
President, National Organization on Disability, Workplace Diversity Expert
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
Global Lead, Accenture
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