Featured Alumni

JOHN BARRY

The Broad Superintendents Academy Class of 2004
Superintendent
Aurora Public Schools, Colo.
Retired Major General, U.S. Air Force

“As a graduate of the New York City public schools, I experienced firsthand the challenges of public education in a large city. There is a compelling need for qualified teachers and the necessary infrastructure to ensure students are provided a safe and stimulating educational environment. With capable leadership, we can identify the challenges and develop visions and strategic plans that entire communities can understand and rally behind. I look forward to the honor of making our school districts ready for the challenges of the 21st century."

In June 2006, John Barry was named superintendent of Aurora Public Schools in Colorado, a district with over 32,000 students in 61 schools. Prior to leading Colorado's sixth largest district, Barry spent 30 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a two-star major general. He served at the CEO/COO level for over 10 years, developing strategic planning for the U.S. Air Force and managing large organizations at the state, national and global levels. His last position was executive director and board member, Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation. Prior to that role, he served as the military assistant to the secretary of defense during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Barry served as the director of strategic plans and programs for commands in Europe and the U.S. Air Force Material Command. He also served as commander of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Az., the largest fighter training base in the country for fighter pilots. During his tenure, he led the largest engine recovery in U.S. Air Force history while graduating more than 1,500 fully trained fighter pilots. He has a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master’s in public administration from Oklahoma University. Barry served as a White House Fellow in Washington, D.C., and as a National Security Fellow at Harvard University.  Barry is a graduate of the 2004 class of The Broad Superintendents Academy.