When Dr. Cassie B. Barlow reflects on the influences that shaped her life, two themes stand out – education and service.
Raised by parents who were both educators, she grew up in a household where learning was expected.
“It wasn’t a matter of if we were going to college, but where,” recalls Cassie, president of SOCHE (Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education) and The Dayton Foundation’s new Governing Board chair.
New Governing Board Chair Cassie Barlow with her husband, Timothy, in Alaska
Her mother, who earned a master’s degree at a time when few women pursued graduate education, and her father, a World War II veteran who survived the Battle of the Bulge and later became a teacher, instilled in their children a deep respect for knowledge. Service, too, was a constant presence. Whether through their church, coaching sports or volunteering, her parents demonstrated what it meant to give back.
“We grew up with the mindset of ‘To whom much is given, much is required,’” she said. “I still believe in that principle today.”
Those values carried Cassie into a 26-year military career that began with an ROTC scholarship and ended with her retirement in 2014 as the commander of the 88th Air Base Wing and Installation of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the largest air base wing in the United States Air Force. Throughout her career, she honed her leadership skills in listening, trusting and supporting others.
Col. Cassie Barlow assumed command of the 88th Air Base Wing and Installation at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 2012, retiring in 2014.
“At age 22, I was leading a team of 22 people,” she said. “I knew I had to learn everything I could to support them. When people know you’re there for them, they’re there for you.”
Today, Cassie draws on those lifelong lessons in her role as chair.
“My upbringing shaped me and what I believe in for others,” said Cassie, who has served on the Foundation’s Board since 2019. “Family, faith and taking care of others align with the Foundation’s mission: ‘We help you help others through philanthropy and community leadership.’”
Cassie describes The Dayton Foundation as an organization that not only supports the community but also brings it together, especially during times of need. Whether responding to unexpected crises, such as the 2019 Memorial Day tornadoes and Oregon District tragedy, or addressing long-term challenges, the Foundation plays a critical role in connecting people and resources to drive meaningful solutions.
Cassie Barlow with her husband, Tim, daughter, Emma, and son-in-law, Andrew, during a recent trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands
“It’s powerful to see an organization step into those moments and say, ‘Let’s come together and figure this out,’” Cassie said. “That takes leadership and integrity.”
Looking ahead, Cassie is focused on strengthening the region’s workforce and helping the next generation understand their role in shaping Greater Dayton’s future.
“We need young people to know they have a place here and they’re needed,” she said. “If we can help them see the opportunities available and get set up for success, it makes a huge difference for our entire community.”
Cassie’s passion extends to ensuring that opportunity is accessible to everyone. Most recently, she was one of the founding leaders of The Dayton Foundation’s Employers’ Workforce Coalition initiative and currently serves on its Executive Leadership Group. Cassie, along with SOCHE, is helping advance solutions that support both employers and job seekers.
“Through EWC and its partners, we’re making great progress in workforce development, but much work remains,” she said. “Its new Manufacturing Skills Sprint, in partnership with Sinclair Community College, is providing participants with real work experience through internships and other work-based learning opportunities that can accelerate job readiness.”
“I’m surrounded by an incredible team of volunteers and staff, and I’m excited to listen, learn and continue building on the strong foundation that has been built over the past 105 years.”
– Cassie Barlow, chair, Governing Board
Beyond the work itself, Cassie credits the Dayton community as a defining factor in why she and her husband, Timothy, decided to remain here. Originally expecting a short stay during her military career, she quickly found something more lasting. With her daughter, Emma, and son-in-law, Andrew, living nearby, Dayton has become not just the place where she continues to serve, but a place she calls home.
“The way people connect, support each other and genuinely want the best for you means a lot. It’s an incredible community, and everyone has embraced us,” she said.
As she steps into her role as Board chair, Cassie has a strong sense of gratitude and purpose.
“I’ve learned so much from my fellow Board members and the chairs who came before me,” she said. “I’m surrounded by an incredible team of volunteers and staff, and I’m excited to listen, learn and continue building on the strong foundation that has been built over the past 105 years.
“Every community needs a place where people come together to tackle big challenges,” Cassie continued. “The Dayton Foundation does this, and I look forward to working with the Board and staff to do what is in the best interests of the community and to fulfill our fund holders’ charitable goals.”