Zachary Barry, MSW
Zac serves as the Executive Director of Zulu 2 Alpha Consulting, bringing a wealth of expertise in social work, program development, leadership, change management, learning and development, and instructional design. With a master’s degree in social work from the University at Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Buffalo State College, Zac's educational background provides a solid foundation for his work. Additionally, he holds certifications in performance leadership and change management from Cornell University.
Zac is not only a seasoned professional but also a community leader and innovator, contributing to several boards, committees and workgroups. He is the founder of the nation’s first “Snack Pack Program,” which now serves as a model for schools across the United States to provide meals to students over extended breaks.
As an experienced Social Worker, Zac has held diverse roles spanning from direct care staff to clinician across various settings including foster care, residential treatment, prisons, and medical facilities. This breadth of experience has honed his skills in relationship building, human behavior, psychology, coaching, and communication, enabling him to effectively meet the needs of individuals and empower others to heal, grow, and thrive in challenging circumstances.
In his role as an Extension Associate at Cornell University, Zac's impact extends globally, influencing professionals across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe. His work revolves around assessing complex systems, implementing evidence-based practices, guiding transformational change, and fostering partnerships to enhance organizational practices. Zac has not only influenced policy at the organizational and state levels but also contributed to numerous publications on crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, adult learning, and coaching.
Beyond his professional life, Zac enjoys an active lifestyle near Letchworth State Park in Western New York, where he resides with his wife, two zebra finches, and chihuahua/Finnish Spitz mix (he thought they were getting a Border Collie). An accomplished martial artist with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a former mixed martial artist, Zac finds peace and inspiration "on the mats," where he even met and proposed to his wife.
At Zulu 2 Alpha Consulting, Zac is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through coaching and organizational change strategies. With his unique blend of compassion, expertise, vision, and down-to-earth attitude, Zac is poised to lead clients towards sustainable growth and impactful transformation.