The College of Public Health at Temple University is honored to announce Christopher M. Barnett, CLA ’10, founder and CEO of ABA Centers, as the 2025 Commencement speaker.
A dynamic entrepreneur and philanthropic leader, Barnett has built one of the fastest-growing healthcare companies in the country. Since founding ABA Centers in 2020, he has transformed access to autism diagnosis and therapy services nationwide, addressing one of the most urgent gaps in healthcare for children and families.
“My time at Temple University profoundly shaped the trajectory of my career – and my life,” Barnett said. “This university has always stood as a beacon of opportunity, resilience, and excellence, and I’ve been deeply honored to call Temple my alma mater and to have the opportunity to give back to a place that has given me so much. To be chosen as this year's commencement speaker is an incredible privilege, and I’m thrilled to introduce the next generation of Temple Made graduates to the world.”
Under his leadership, ABA Centers has achieved extraordinary milestones:
Ranked the #1 fastest-growing private company in the Southeast on the Inc. Regionals list for two consecutive years (2024, 2025)
Named #5 fastest-growing private company in America on the Inc. 5000
Achieved the #1 ranking on the Financial Times “Americas’ Fastest-Growing Companies 2025” list
Selected as the 2024 National EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, one of the highest honors for business leadership, and will represent the United States at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year world-level competition this summer
His success is only outweighed by his generosity. A dedicated alumnus, Barnett has made significant philanthropic contributions to Temple University, including a $1 million gift to establish a state-of-the-art autism lab at the School of Social Work. This facility will support diagnosis, research, and workforce training to better serve neurodiverse communities across the region. Barnett also established the Chris and Julie Barnett Scholarship for CPH Students at Temple Rome providing scholarships for students with financial need who are enrolled in the College of Public Health and are participating in a study abroad summer program in Temple Rome. And he’s only just begun.
“Chris Barnett is an inspiring example of what it means to be Temple Made,” said Dean Jennifer Ibrahim. “His entrepreneurial spirit, his passion for service, and his commitment to community health reflect the values we strive to instill in every student. We are proud to welcome him back to address our graduates at this year’s commencement.”
In 2023, Temple’s Cherry Pantry was renamed the Barnett and Irvine Cherry Pantry, in recognition of a gift from Barnett and his business partner Nathan Irvine, reinforcing their shared commitment to student well-being and basic needs security.
Barnett is making an impact beyond the United States. His newest corporate venture, CurativeAI, will revolutionize hospital systems around the world, championing stronger patient outcomes and, most importantly, saving more lives.
“So often at Temple we talk about grit and perseverance. None of the entrepreneurial success of our graduation speaker, the national recognitions he has received and the social impact of his achievements particularly in building Autism service excellence and nationally significant supports for students here at Temple were achieved easily,” shared Phil McCallion, Director of the School of Social Work. “From the day Chris Barnett walked into the admissions office at Temple to now, his grit and his perseverance has inspired faculty and students in the College of Public Health and School of Social Work and prepared us for the nationally significant move we will make into our new building and for the graduation of so many students now and in the future.”
He currently sits on the boards of the Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundations, Eden II Programs, and Temple University’s College of Public Health.
The College of Public Health’s Commencement Ceremony will take place on May 8th at the Liacouras Center, where Barnett will deliver remarks to the Class of 2025 that includes almost 1,000 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students representing disciplines across the college’s programs.
As we prepare to celebrate this important milestone, we look forward to hearing from a leader who represents the power of empathy, innovation, and public good while being recognized by his peers as an industry leader.
Chris Barnett has made an impact across Temple University for over a decade. Below, we share some testimonials from just a few people he has impacted:
“Your generosity serves as a catalyst for me to pursue my educational goals with renewed determination and focus. With this support, I am better equipped to devote myself fully to my studies and extracurricular activities.” - recipient of the Christopher and Julie Barnett Scholarship for CPH Students at Temple Rome
“Your generosity not only helps to alleviate some of the financial stress of tuition expenses but also serves as a testament to your belief in my academic pursuits and future endeavors.” -recipient of the Christopher and Julie Barnett Scholarship for CPH Students at Temple Rome
“In addition to allowing me to pursue my educational goals, your support reaffirms my dedication to giving back to my community and improving the field of public health. I feel motivated by this scholarship to keep aiming for academic achievement and to persistently follow my passion for healthcare.” -recipient of the Christopher and Julie Barnett Scholarship for CPH Students at Temple Rome
"When Chris found out that my son was experiencing developmental delays, he didn’t hesitate for a moment. I’m just someone he met through Temple, and yet he immediately extended a helping hand, shared resources, and continued to follow up. That kind of compassion and commitment to helping others, even outside the spotlight, speaks volumes about who he is." — Angela Amodio, Director of Marketing and Communications, College of Public Health
“Chris Barnett is fantastic! We are lucky to have him as the graduation speaker this year. He is an amazing alumni and embodies the “Temple Made” spirit. Chris has given back to the Temple students through numerous philanthropic donations to our community, notably the Barnett & Irvine Cherry Pantry. With Chris’s generous assistance, the Cherry Pantry has grown in staff, size and ability to provide services to our students over 250% since its inception in 2018. Chris is constantly on the lookout for ways to make more of an impact to fight food insecurity amongst our student population and for that we are forever grateful.” - Rachael H. Stark, Ph.D. Assistant Vice President for Student Support & Advocacy