Barbara is the President of the Community Foundation of East Alabama. She is also the Secretary/Treasurer of Envision Opelika Foundation. Barbara is also the former President of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and the former Mayor of Opelika.

Barbara has been a strong presence in the Opelika community and is an active volunteer with organizations like Opelika Main Street and the Arts Association of East Alabama. She has operated a gift shop (Heritage Gifts & Gourmet) since 1993 and in 2004 relocated that gift shop to downtown Opelika.

Barbara grew up in Pensacola, Florida, and has lived in Opelika since 1973 with her husband Bob. They have three sons and four grandchildren.

Barbara serves on the Council's grants review committee.