Women’s Foundation of Alabama President and CEO Melanie Bridgeforth will be stepping down from her role as chief executive of the organization in February of 2025.
Bridgeforth, who first took the position in 2018 after a successful career as a lobbyist and strategist, is being hailed for turning the foundation into a “philanthropic powerhouse” and a major influencer working to advance women’s economic power.
Under her leadership, revenue increased by 174%, according to the organization, culminating in bringing in $9.4 million in just over a year for the foundation. Marked revenue increases positioned the organization to scale programming and double grantmaking to $1,000,000 annually to nonprofit organizations across 40 Alabama counties.
“Melanie is one of the most consequential leaders in Alabama. For the past six years, her vision and leadership has not only inspired, but activated a broad base of thousands of philanthropists, business and civic leaders, and elected officials to build, invest, and scale proven initiatives and public policies that grow economies by removing barriers to women,” said Lajuana Bradford, Board Chair, Women’s Foundation of Alabama and head of Corporate Philanthropy for Regions. “But she didn’t just transform the mission of Women’s Foundation of Alabama, she transformed our business with record growth in revenue, assets, size, and market presence statewide.”
“Her track record, combined with a strong board and team, positions the organization to win for women now and in the future.”
Quentin Riggins, Board of Directors, Women’s Foundation of Alabama and senior vice president of Governmental and Corporate Affairs at Alabama Power, also praised Bridgeforth and believes that she will be a game changer.
“Alabama won’t win until our women do. Even if we all agree on this notion, our state still needed a catalyst with vision, bold new ideas and solutions, and the ability to galvanize state leaders around a common goal of growing our state’s economy by removing the barriers that impede women. Melanie is that catalyst,” said Riggins. “As she steps into her next chapter of building her own social enterprise, Melanie’s impact will continue to be felt in and beyond Alabama, as will the impact of the Women’s Foundation of Alabama as we continue the charge to move 10,000 women into the workforce and on the path to economic mobility by 2027.”
Additionally, Bridgeforth was instrumental in helping to establish Alabama’s first Equal Pay Statute, a $2.25 million cumulative state budget appropriation to partner in preparing women for in-demand careers, and the 2024 Child Care Tax Credit – a $67.5 million public investment.
In recognition of her impact, the Board of Directors for Women’s Foundation of Alabama has announced the establishment of the Melanie R. Bridgeforth Power and Possibility Fund. A donor who wished to remain anonymous has said that all contributions up to $250,000 will be matched dollar for dollar for a total of $500,000.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
