Bob Higgins to Retire as CEO of Barge After Nearly 16 Years

After nearly 16 years at the helm, Bob Higgins announced his retirement as CEO of Barge, effective February 28, 2025. Higgins will continue with Barge as Chairman of the Board, remaining involved in key client relationships and supporting the company’s innovation strategy.

During his tenure, Higgins has led transformative growth, guiding Barge into strategic markets in Georgia and Florida, building a culture of collaboration, and more than tripling the company’s revenue. Higgins also spearheaded a pioneering partnership with Vanderbilt University leading to the creation of “Generative AI for Leaders, ”the first course on the Coursera platform that speaks to an executive audience about Generative AI. 

“It has been an honor and privilege of a lifetime to have spent my professional career at Barge. For nearly 30 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the unparalleled impact that Barge has had on communities across the country,” shares Higgins. “It is with great pride that I now have the opportunity to welcome Carrie Stokes as Barge’s CEO and I’m confident in her abilities and determination to uphold Barge’s values and usher us all into its next chapter.”

The Board of Directors has appointed Carrie Stokes, Barge’s Chief of Staff, as the next CEO, effective March 1, 2025. Stokes brings extensive experience, having held various leadership roles over her 28-year career with the firm. As CEO, she will focus on sustaining Barge’s growth, strengthening internal systems, and fostering an employee-owned culture that drives meaningful impact for communities nationwide.