The Top 50 Birmingham Women Leaders of 2026
Birmingham’s influence isn’t a single-industry story-it’s a braided one: banking and capital, big-system healthcare, a quietly powerful manufacturing base, and a “next chapter” tech and civic ecosystem that keeps pulling talent back home. The leaders shaping this moment aren’t only running organizations; they’re rewriting how the region competes-by expanding access (to care, to capital, to careers), modernizing legacy systems, and building institutions people can actually trust.
Below is a ranked, editorial list of 50 of the most influential women leaders in the Greater Birmingham metro (titles verified from public sources available as of February 2026 where possible).
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#1 Dawn Bulgarella
When people talk about “anchor institutions,” they’re talking about systems like UAB Health System-because decisions made here ripple into employment, regional clinical access, medical education pipelines, and even how the metro attracts companies whose employees expect world-class care. Bulgarella leads a 16-hospital system with annual revenues approaching $8B, and her leadership touches everything from workforce needs to long-range strategy across one of Alabama’s largest and most complex enterprises.
#2 Kate Danella
Birmingham’s influence in finance is real, and Danella holds one of the most consequential seats inside the city’s hometown banking giant: she leads Regions’ Consumer Banking Group, spanning major business lines like retail banking and mortgage. That combination-scale, consumer reach, and executive-level authority-means her work shapes how households and small businesses experience the financial system day-to-day. She’s also been repeatedly recognized by American Banker for impact at the national level.
#3 Tricia Wallwork
Wallwork is a modern Birmingham manufacturing-and-brand success story: she’s led Milo’s as it scaled far beyond its Alabama roots while keeping a people-and-quality narrative that resonates nationally. Her influence shows up not just in product distribution, but in job creation, operations expansion, and the civic credibility that comes with running a fast-growing, locally headquartered company. National recognition (including major entrepreneurship honors) has helped put Birmingham’s next-generation operators on a bigger map.
#4 Wendy Evesque
In a region where “talent” is the competitive battleground, HR leadership at a major financial-services headquarters is a power role. Evesque isn’t only guiding hiring and culture-her portfolio also includes Protective’s foundation and community engagement efforts, connecting corporate capability to Birmingham’s nonprofit and civic ecosystem. That makes her influence both internal (workforce strategy) and external (philanthropic and community investment).
#5 Smrutha Ipparthi
Birmingham’s tech story gets more credible every time Shipt ships innovation from its hometown-and Ipparthi’s role sits at the center of that. As CTPO, she shapes Shipt’s product direction and technology infrastructure, the combination that determines how the marketplace works for customers, shoppers, and retail partners. For professional women in the region, her leadership is also a signal that high-impact tech careers can be built (and led) from Birmingham.
#6 Brenda Carlisle
UAB Hospital is one of the metro’s biggest “execution engines”-where strategy becomes real operations: beds, staffing, clinical throughput, quality, patient experience, and complex academic medicine workflows. Carlisle’s role matters because it is where Birmingham’s healthcare brand is most publicly experienced, and where operational decisions carry immediate consequences for patients, employers, and the broader care ecosystem.
#7 Linda Seal
When a company intersects with law, regulation, data/privacy expectations, and public narrative, legal leadership becomes strategy-not just compliance. Seal oversees Shipt’s legal and public affairs portfolio (including government relations and communications), helping the company navigate risk while building trust with partners and the community. In a city building its next economy, this kind of “policy-meets-growth” leadership is quietly foundational.
#8 Laura McDonald
Capital shapes cities-and commercial real estate capital shapes what gets built, renovated, and sustained. McDonald’s responsibility for Protective’s commercial mortgage and real estate portfolio puts her at a key junction of finance and the built environment. That matters in Birmingham, where momentum often depends on whether major projects can be financed responsibly and managed through cycles.
#9 Rebekah Elgin‑Council
Healthcare costs and coverage aren’t abstract-they affect hiring, retention, family stability, and small business survivability. As CMO at BCBSAL, Elgin‑Council influences how a major health insurer communicates value, builds trust, and partners with the community. Her long tenure and board-level civic involvement amplify that impact across business, arts, and major regional initiatives.
#10 Kimberly L. Jackson
Economic mobility is a workforce strategy-and Jackson leads one of Alabama’s most visible engines focused on women’s economic advancement. Her appointment as CEO signals a “systems” approach: research, policy, and philanthropy aligned around measurable outcomes (including ambitious workforce participation goals). For Birmingham, that kind of convening power can translate into real pipelines for women into higher-wage career pathways.
#11 Dawn Walton
Children’s of Alabama is one of the region’s most essential institutions, and the CFO role is where sustainability meets mission. Walton’s influence is structural: stewarding financial capacity so the hospital can invest in care access, staffing, technology, and long-range stability. In practical terms, that affects families across the metro-and the employers trying to support them.
#12 Delicia Mason
If healthcare is a talent business, nursing is the backbone. Mason’s promotion to CNO came with explicit acknowledgment of how vital leadership is amid staffing and care-complexity pressures. Her impact is deeply operational: building nursing systems that protect quality, safety, and retention-issues that determine whether pediatric care remains accessible at scale.
#13 Melanie Lewis
Encompass Health is a Birmingham-headquartered public company with national scale-and Lewis leads growth for a business line central to an aging America: inpatient rehabilitation. That role matters locally because it ties Birmingham’s corporate leadership to national healthcare expansion, partnerships, and market development-while reinforcing Birmingham’s reputation as a healthcare management center.
#14 Kathryn O’Neal
Investment management firms influence what gets funded, scaled, and sustained-and O’Neal’s senior operations role at Harbert places her inside a capital institution with broad reach. Operational leadership at this level shapes the “how” behind performance: governance, risk discipline, and the systems that allow investment strategies to execute reliably. In a metro where growth needs patient capital, this seat matters.
#15 Rosa H. Williams
Medical Properties Trust is one of Birmingham’s most visible healthcare real estate players, and Williams’ portfolio includes operational responsibilities spanning system solutions and project-related execution. In a city where healthcare is a defining economic pillar, leadership at the intersection of real estate and care infrastructure has outsized influence-because facilities determine capacity.
#16 Martina Winston
Birmingham’s “growth logic” depends on coordination: employers, small businesses, investors, and civic partners pulling in the same direction. Winston’s BBA role is designed for that-strengthening business relationships, expanding member services, and supporting small business growth. It’s influence-by-connection, which is often the difference between good plans and real execution.
#17 Janel Taylor
Taylor represents a newer kind of high-impact influence: workforce development inside a major bank. Her work in HR and learning solutions directly affects leadership pipelines and upskilling at scale-and she’s been recognized nationally as a rising power in banking. In a market where retention and advancement are strategic, this is the kind of leadership that reshapes opportunity.
#18 DeLynn M. Zell
Wealth management leadership matters in regional economies because it sits close to entrepreneurs, executives, philanthropic decisions, and long-term capital planning. Zell’s Birmingham-based leadership role-and her statewide civic leadership visibility-positions her as a connector between private capital, strategy, and community institutions.
#19 Courtney Pittman
Cities become what they build. Pittman’s influence comes through the built environment-design leadership that shapes workplaces, public spaces, and institutional projects. Recognition as a Birmingham Business Journal “Women to Watch” reflects the growing visibility of women leading in architecture and development ecosystems that historically skewed male at the top.
#20 Sarah Beth Magette
Magette’s impact is the kind professional women recognize instantly: the trusted advisor who helps organizations run cleaner, safer, and smarter. Her risk advisory/internal controls work strengthens businesses behind the scenes-exactly the kind of influence that prevents crises, protects reputations, and creates room for growth. Her BBJ “Women to Watch” recognition signals rising civic and business leadership.
#21 Megan Randolph
A seasoned tax leader at Warren Averett, Randolph specializes in guiding nonprofits and governmental entities through complex compliance demands so they can focus more resources on mission and service. By leading Birmingham’s tax practice and developing talent across a broad team, she delivers trusted counsel that strengthens major institutions and elevates the firm’s impact in the market.
#22 Lindsey McCurdy
McCurdy brings deep investment management tax expertise to Harbert Management, overseeing intricate tax functions that support billions in assets and protect long-term investor value. Her precision and strategic thinking help the organization execute confidently across varied strategies while maintaining strong governance in a highly regulated environment.
#23 Karla Khodanian
As the Birmingham Business Alliance’s chief communications strategist, Khodanian amplifies the region’s strengths and connects employers to the programs and partnerships that drive job creation. Her storytelling and brand leadership help attract investment, strengthen member engagement, and position Greater Birmingham as a place where businesses can start, stay, and succeed.
#24 Kayla Henderson
Henderson’s regional human resources leadership at Encompass Health helps build and retain the teams that deliver compassionate, high-quality rehabilitation care. By championing mentorship, development, and a people-first culture, she strengthens organizational performance in ways that ripple from employee engagement to patient outcomes.
#25 Stacey Stevens
With more than two decades at Vulcan Materials, Stevens shapes talent acquisition and leadership development strategies that keep a major enterprise competitive and future-ready. Her work building strong pipelines and developing leaders creates stability, strengthens culture, and supports sustained performance across the organization.
#26 Abbey Roy
Roy leads Alabama Power’s Energy Services efforts to expand conservation, resilience, and electrification solutions that help customers lower costs and modernize operations. Her track record commercializing new energy technologies makes her a catalyst for innovation that strengthens Birmingham’s economy and accelerates the region’s energy transition.
#27 Laura Donald
As COO and co-founder of BLOX, Donald has helped pioneer a Design Manufacture Construct approach that delivers high-quality healthcare facilities faster and more affordably for leading health systems. Her ability to translate design thinking into operational scale has built a fast-growing Birmingham company with national impact and a mission-driven focus on better care environments.
#28 Mishelle Coronado
Coronado safeguards SCA Health’s integrity by leading enterprise compliance, privacy, and internal audit programs in a complex, highly regulated industry. Her disciplined oversight builds trust with patients, partners, and regulators while enabling growth that is grounded in strong governance and accountability.
#29 Cynthia Irwin
Irwin’s decades of human resources expertise make her a force in building teams and shaping workforce strategy at Cobbs Allen and CAC Specialty during periods of growth. Recognized for excellence in HR leadership, she aligns talent with business goals in ways that strengthen culture, improve performance, and expand the firm’s capabilities.
#30 April Dowling
Dowling strengthens RxBenefits by leading HR operations with a focus on total rewards, payroll excellence, and technology that scales with the organization. Her work ensures employees are supported and systems run smoothly, helping the company attract talent and deliver greater value to clients and members.
#31 Amanda Ford
Since joining America’s Thrift Stores as vice president of people and culture, Ford has been instrumental in fostering a more engaged, collaborative workplace across a complex retail footprint. Her organizational development experience turns mission into momentum, strengthening talent practices that improve performance while deepening the company’s community impact.
#32 Ann Marie Moore
With more than 20 years at VIVA Health, Moore provides steady financial leadership for multiple entities and over $1 billion in regulated healthcare transactions. Her commitment to accuracy and compliance strengthens trust, supports responsible growth, and ensures the organization can serve members with stability and transparency.
#33 LaRhonda Magras
Dr Magras has led YWCA Central Alabama with mission-driven leadership that addresses poverty’s root causes through programs advancing safety, education, housing stability, and economic mobility. Her ability to build partnerships and strengthen services creates lasting community impact and reinforces Birmingham’s broader social and economic wellbeing.
#34 Kitty Brown
As a shareholder at White Arnold and Dowd, Brown is a trusted advocate in high-stakes white-collar and complex business matters, protecting clients when reputations and livelihoods are on the line. Her long-running peer recognition reflects the caliber of her work and the confidence business leaders place in her counsel and courtroom skill.
#35 Mildred Black
Black has built People Optimum Consulting into a respected woman-owned firm that helps organizations strengthen culture, develop leaders, and remove barriers to high performance. By pairing strategic HR insight with practical coaching and learning programs, she delivers measurable improvements in engagement, compliance, and organizational effectiveness.
#36 Ruqayyah Abdullah
As chief operating officer at Trillion Communications, Abdullah helps steer a national connectivity infrastructure business exceeding $1 billion in annual sales. Her experience leading enterprise transformation drives operational agility, positioning the company to deliver at scale while adapting quickly to industry change.
#37 LaVinia Ray
Ray brings deep experience to Southern Research, strengthening operational controls and compliance practices that protect research integrity and responsible stewardship. Her steady leadership helps teams meet rigorous standards, operate efficiently, and translate scientific work into meaningful impact for the community.
#38 Circe Starks
Starks plays a pivotal role at Southern Power by overseeing compliance across ethics, environmental affairs, project risk management, and contract accountability. Her disciplined approach reduces risk and supports responsible project delivery, strengthening stakeholder trust and long-term value.
#39 April Pearson
As plant controller at American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Pearson provides the financial discipline that supports efficient operations and smart investment in manufacturing. Her leadership in reporting and cost control enables clear decisions that protect productivity, profitability, and long-term competitiveness.
#40 Katie Kimbrell
Kimbrell advises clients through complex transactions and regulatory challenges, offering business-minded counsel across corporate, securities, and financial services matters. Her leadership within the legal community and commitment to client success help companies pursue growth with confidence and clarity.
#41 Kary Wolfe
Wolfe is a trusted partner for employers navigating employment disputes and commercial litigation, providing practical guidance that protects businesses and preserves momentum. Her recognition among Birmingham’s leading women attorneys reflects both legal excellence and a reputation for delivering results when the stakes are highest.
#42 Katie Lewis
Lewis has spent more than 15 years strengthening Brasfield and Gorrie’s HR operations, bringing payroll expertise and operational rigor to one of the region’s most influential builders. Her leadership in professional associations and award-winning track record reflect a commitment to best practices that supports employees and keeps large projects moving.
#43 Karen Dykes
As controller for Altec Capital Services, Dykes brings CPA-level precision and long-tenured insight to the financial engine that helps customers finance critical equipment. Her blend of audit discipline and operational experience strengthens controls, improves decision-making, and reinforces confidence in a trusted Birmingham-based brand.
#44 Julie Kendrick
Kendrick has built a distinguished career in commercial credit and now leads Synovus’ wholesale credit risk analysts, setting standards that protect the bank and its clients. Her focus on mentoring and risk excellence supports responsible lending and helps businesses access capital with confidence.
#45 Farrah Woodley
Woodley oversees Milo’s accounting function end to end, guiding shared services, compliance, and cost discipline that supports sustainable growth for a beloved consumer brand. Her broad finance leadership helps the company scale responsibly while maintaining the operational excellence customers and partners rely on.
#46 Susan Warren
With more than three decades at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Warren brings seasoned leadership to enterprise strategy, project management, and risk oversight. By translating strategy into disciplined execution, she improves performance across divisions and helps ensure members receive dependable, high-quality service.
#47 Connie Hill, PhD
Hill has led Girls Inc of Central Alabama since 2014, expanding mentorship and evidence-based programming that prepares girls to be strong, smart, and bold in school and career. Her leadership helped shape Project Accelerate, contributing to Girls Inc receiving a $10 million Equality Can’t Wait Challenge award that strengthens pathways for young women into positions of influence.
#48 Katrina Watson
Watson drives United Way of Central Alabama’s community impact strategy, overseeing the distribution of roughly $30 million each year to partner organizations across the region. Her results-focused leadership builds nonprofit capacity and workforce readiness, translating collaboration into measurable improvements for families and neighborhoods.
#49 Jennie Whitman
As chief financial officer of the Birmingham Zoo, Whitman ensures the organization’s resources are managed with discipline and transparency so its conservation and education mission can thrive. Her stewardship helps turn community support into sustainable investment in animal care, guest experience, and long-term institutional strength.
#50 Leigh Laser Collins
Collins leads development for the Birmingham Zoo, building the philanthropic and corporate partnerships that power conservation, education, and an exceptional visitor experience. Her relationship-driven fundraising strengthens community investment and helps the Zoo continually enhance facilities and programs for generations of families.
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