Barbara J. Kennedy is Chief Human Resources Officer of Western Alliance Bank. Ms. Kennedy oversees human resources, training, talent development and recruitment for Western Alliance, which has 3,500+ employees across the country.
A strong mentor and culture champion, Ms. Kennedy brings more than 20 years of experience with national and multinational companies in the human resources discipline. Prior to joining Western Alliance, Ms. Kennedy was senior vice president of human resources for San Diego-based Encore Capital Group. She also held senior HR positions with United Stationers Supply Company and Swift Transportation Corporation.
Ms. Kennedy, who was named one of Arizona’s Most Influential Women in 2021, currently serves on the Board of Directors for Valley of the Sun YMCA. She previously served on the boards of Ryan House, helping children and families navigate their unique care journeys, and Novo Group, a national recruiting and management consulting firm.
She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Western Alliance Bank
Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL) is one of the country’s top-performing banking companies. Its primary subsidiary, Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, is a leading national bank for business that puts customers first, delivering tailored business banking solutions and consumer products backed by outstanding, personalized service and specific expertise in more than 30 industries and sectors. With $90 billion in assets and offices nationwide, Western Alliance excels at helping businesses of all sizes capitalize on their opportunities to solve today and succeed tomorrow. Western Alliance Bank includes six legacy bank brands — Alliance Association Bank, Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of Nevada, Bridge Bank, First Independent Bank and Torrey Pines Bank — that continue to be part of the company’s heritage. Western Alliance has ranked as a top U.S. bank by American Banker and Bank Director since 2016. In 2024, Western Alliance Bancorporation again was #1 for Best CEO, Best CFO and Best Company Board of Directors on Extel’s All-America Executive Team Midcap Banks list.