‘Bostonia’ Sheds Light on the Life and Leadership of David Barth (Pardee’92) of Perkins School for the Blind

The profile traces Barth’s path from an international relations degree at Boston University to a distinguished career in the U.S. Foreign Service, USAID, the Ford Foundation, and Save the Children. Over two decades of diplomatic and development work took him across the Middle East, North Africa, the Balkans, and Central America, where he championed educational access and opportunities for underserved communities. Those experiences now shape his vision for Perkins, whose global footprint extends to dozens of countries through teacher training, educational programs, and disability advocacy initiatives.

Holt also highlights the deeply personal experiences informing Barth’s leadership. Barth and his wife, Sally, raised their son Andrew, who was born with multiple disabilities, including cerebral visual impairment. Andrew’s life and passing in 2023 profoundly influenced Barth’s understanding of the challenges families face when navigating disability. Today, that perspective guides his commitment to ensuring Perkins remains a source of expertise and community for both students and their families.

As Perkins approaches its bicentennial in 2029, Barth hopes to build on the institution’s longstanding mission while expanding its international impact. The profile emphasizes his belief that investing in children with disabilities strengthens entire communities and that Perkins’ century-spanning expertise can help transform lives far beyond its Massachusetts campus.

Reflecting on the guidance the school provides to families facing uncertain futures, Barth underscores a central theme of the article: “We can be among the first to take their hands and show them a path that will be different, but wonderful.” Through leadership rooted in both global experience and personal understanding, Barth is working to ensure that Perkins enters its third century with an even broader reach and deeper impact.