David Barth Takes the Helm as New President & CEO of Perkins School for the Blind

Perkins School for the Blind Welcomes New Leadership

In a significant move to enhance its impact in special education, Perkins School for the Blind has appointed David Barth as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. This development marks an important milestone as the organization heads into its third century of service, continuing its commitment to empower children with disabilities.

Based in Watertown, Massachusetts, Perkins has been a beacon of hope for children with disabilities for nearly 200 years. The school is renowned worldwide for its innovative approaches to education catered towards children and young adults with visual impairments and additional disabilities. With Barth at the helm, Perkins aims to expand its global outreach, drawing upon his extensive experience in leading international programs.

Barth is not new to the challenges and opportunities that come with educational leadership. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives at various international organizations. His most recent position was Vice President of International Programs at Save the Children US, where he managed a team of 400 professionals overseeing humanitarian and educational efforts across more than 50 countries. This role allowed him to hone his skills in education initiatives, which will be invaluable as he steps into his new role at Perkins.

In a statement upon accepting his new role, Barth expressed his enthusiasm for joining an institution with such a rich history. He stated, "It is an honor to join an institution with such a rich legacy of transforming students' lives. Perkins is a global leader in education services for children and young adults with disabilities. I look forward to ensuring that every child we reach has the opportunity to succeed."

David Barth's track record showcases his commitment to inclusivity and transformation. In 2022, he was recognized with the InterAction Disability Inclusion Award, highlighting his efforts to advance disability inclusion both in the U.S. and around the globe. His leadership philosophy aligns seamlessly with Perkins’ mission to break down barriers and build bright futures for children with disabilities, a sentiment echoed by Stephen Pelletier, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Pelletier remarked, "For more than two hundred years, the Perkins mission has been to see possibilities and break down barriers. We are thrilled to welcome David, who shares our deep belief in the power of education to change lives, one student at a time."

At Perkins, the focus is not only on the immediate needs of students but also on developing best-in-class teaching practices. The organization is dedicated to sharing its cutting-edge educational strategies worldwide, emphasizing sustainability and innovation in the DisabilityTech market. With a clear vision targeting the 240 million children with disabilities globally, Perkins stands committed to adapting its programs to meet the needs of students, families, and educators.

Barth holds a bachelor's degree in political science and international relations from Boston University and a J.D. from the National Law Center at George Washington University. Starting September 2, 2025, he will assume his role at Perkins, ready to lead the organization into a new era of service and engagement.

As Perkins continues to champion accessibility and quality education, Barth's leadership is anticipated to further enhance the visibility and framework of educational services available to children with disabilities, ensuring that every student is given a chance to shine.

For further information about David Barth’s biography and visuals, Perkins has provided a press kit available to the public. This new appointment signals a promising future for Perkins School for the Blind, an institution deeply dedicated to its mission of inclusivity and education for all.