Women’s Foundation of Alabama CEO Melanie Bridgeforth, who’s led the organization since 2018, has resigned, the board announced Monday.

Bridgeforth said she is leaving to launch a consulting firm. “At this stage in my career, I’m positioned to leverage my 15-year proven track record of winning big for people and communities and turn it into a strategy firm that will operate nationally,” she said.

During Bridgeforth’s tenure, the 28-year-old organization rebranded from the Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham and was elevated to a statewide force impacting public policies affecting economic parity for women throughout Alabama.

It helped push for passage of the Equal Pay Act in 2019 (Alabama became the 49th state with a pay parity law on the books), and was a driving force behind the “Working for Alabama” legislative package, which included a Child Care Tax Credit bill that seeks to impact the low-participation of women in the workforce due to child-care costs. Ivey signed the bill into law this past March.

“I didn’t come to play the game; I came to change it,” Birdgeforth said. “What an honor to do so alongside our team, Board, and donors. Together, we shifted the narrative and culture in Alabama to embrace the powerful intersections around women, work, and the economy.

“It’s no coincidence that women-inspired solutions are now on the minds of those closest to power. It’s the result of strong vision, strategy, and precision,” she added. “And none of that ends with my decision to step down from the foundation, it only strengthens.”

Revenue under her leadership increased by 174 percent, according to the organization. In the most recent year, the Fund completed a $9.4 million capital raise, culminating in an event featuring former First Daughter Barbara Pierce Bush and journalist Michelle Miller.

The boost in fund-raising allowed the fund to double grants to $1,000,000 annually to nonprofit organizations across 40 Alabama counties.

“Melanie is one of the most consequential leaders in Alabama,” said Board Chair Lajuana Bradford. “Her vision and leadership have 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.”

Bridgeforth was born into one of Alabama’s most prominent farming families. She credits her father, John Henry (“You call him Mr. Bridgeforth,” she’s said) with feeding and nurturing his daughter’s audacity.

“He was a huge driving force in my fearlessness,” Melanie said. “[I was told] I had extreme power—even if the world told me something different. I don’t think he knew he was raising someone who was going to be outspoken on issues. It was important for him for me to know I had a voice.”

“Alabama won’t win until our women do,” added board member Quintin P. Riggins. “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.”

Bridgeforth added: “I’m eager to remain at the forefront of thought leadership, strategy development, and policy innovation, that benefits women and grows economies – just without borders and under my own brand.”

In recognition of Bridgeforth’s impact, the board announced the establishment of the Melanie R. Bridgeforth Power and Possibility Fund. Donations up to $250,000 will be matched by an anonymous donor. “The fund will continue her legacy and Women’s Foundation of Alabama’s legacy as the leading voice for women in the state for generations to come,” the board said in a release.

Adds Bradford: “Melanie 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.”

The board will launch a national search for a successor, it also announced.

Bridgeforth will continue to serve until February 28, 2025.