During her twenty-six years in the United States Air Force, Cassie B. Barlow earned the rank of lieutenant colonel, and she is one of a handful of women who has commanded at multiple levels of the Air Force. Over the years, Barlow led thousands of her fellow troops on both national and international levels. She is also a member of the American Psychological Association, the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists, the Academy of Management, the National Defense Industrial Association, the Air Force Association, and the Miami Valley Military Affairs Association.

Barlow earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Georgetown University and went on to receive multiple masters degrees in clinical psychology, national security policy and strategy, and air power strategy from Chapman University, National Defense University, and the Air Command and Staff College, respectively. She also has a PhD in industrial psychology from Rice University.

After retiring from the military, Barlow began work as the executive director at the Center for Workforce Development at Wright State University. In her spare time, she plays sports and serves her community through non-profit boards. Barlow lives in Beavercreek, Ohio, with her family.