In the public session of the May 6 meeting of Temple University’s Board of Trustees, Christopher Barnett, CLA ’10, was officially appointed to the university’s governing body. Founder and chair of ABA Centers, a behavioral healthcare organization that has grown to be a national leader for children and teens with autism, Barnett brings his considerable energy and entrepreneurial spirit to the board.  

“It is always great to welcome new voices to the Board of Trustees, and that is exactly what Chris represents,” said Mitchell L. Morgan, FOX ’76, LAW ’80, chair of the board. “The work that he has accomplished with ABA Centers is simply remarkable, and I am eager to work closely alongside him for the betterment of Temple University.”

In addition to his role as chair of ABA Centers, Barnett is chair of CurativeAI, CEO of ICBD Holdings, chair of Exact Billing Solutions and president of The Christopher M. Barnett Family Foundation.

Under Barnett’s leadership, ABA Centers has become the fastest-growing autism care provider in the world, currently providing services to families in more than 50 markets across 10 states. In 2024, the organization, which employs more than 2,000 team members across the globe, opened 20 new autism care centers and plans to open an additional 40 centers this year, including an international location in Puerto Rico.

“Chris’ story is a prime example of what it means to be Temple Made. Chris did not initially get accepted to Temple, but he persevered, ultimately gained admission and went on to become an exceptional student,” President John Fry said. “He has never forgotten the key role that Temple played in his life and has been an active member of our College of Public Health’s Board of Visitors for years. It is wonderful to see him further his commitment to Temple as a member of our Board of Trustees, as I know his experience and guidance will prove greatly beneficial.”

Late last year, Barnett was recognized with the 2024 Ernst and Young (EY) Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award, which is widely considered to be the preeminent award for American entrepreneurs. It was a history-making moment for Barnett as he was the first healthcare provider to win EY’s national overall award.

“Temple University took a chance on me when they reversed their admission decision and admitted me many years ago. In return, I made a promise to the director of transfer admissions that I would graduate with honors and that I would be a prominent alum and give back. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the College of Public Health, the Dean of Students office, Temple Rome, Temple Japan and the President’s Office to keep that promise by supporting both the university and the students that are so deserving,” Barnett said. “I am deeply committed to helping guide Temple’s future so it can continue to empower generations of Owls, just as it once empowered me. On such a momentous occasion like today, I remain forever proud to be Temple Made."

In addition to serving as a Temple trustee and member of CPH’s Board of Visitors, Barnett currently sits on the boards of the Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundations as well as Eden II programs.

Temple University’s Board of Trustees consists of 36 voting members, 24 elected by their peers and 12 appointed by officials of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to its 36 members, the governor of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the secretary of education of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the mayor of the city of Philadelphia serve as ex-officio, non-voting trustees. 

Learn more about the Board of Trustees at Temple University.