Barbara Carswell

Chief Executive Officer

Barbara directs YouthBridge’s efforts to partner with donors in support of charities in the St. Louis region, especially those focused on children. She oversees a team dedicated to building the bridge between the philanthropic and nonprofit communities by providing exceptional giving experiences and impactful grants and community investments.

After studies in Bonn, Germany and Geneva, Switzerland, Barbara earned her law degree from the University of Munich and her LL.M. from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining YouthBridge in 2013, Barbara was a tax attorney as well as the Executive Director of a child-serving nonprofit. Before assuming the role of CEO in 2021, she held the position of Vice President of Grants and Community. Barbara serves on the Boards of Philanthropy Missouri and the Saint Louis Council of Charitable Gift Planners.