Royal Alley-Barnes was the executive director of the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (LHPAC) from 2009-2015. She previously worked as an administrator in the Parks and Recreation Department for over 20 years. The department awarded her the John C. Little Spirit Award in 2009. She oversaw the transition of the LHPAC from Parks and Recreation to the Office of Arts and Culture as well as an extensive renovation of the Langston Hughs building. She received a BA and a Masters in Teaching from the University of Washington.