Kerry Alys Robinson, CEO of Catholic Charities USA and 2025 Barry Award honoree, will be recognized by the American Catholic Historical Society at its annual dinner in Philadelphia.

By CatholicPhilly Staff Report • Posted July 29, 2025

The American Catholic Historical Society has announced that its 43rd annual Barry Award Dinner will take place on Friday, Nov. 14 at the Union League of Philadelphia. This year’s honoree is Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA.

Founded in 1884, The American Catholic Historical Society collects and preserves materials on American history and the contributions of Catholics to the nation and the Church. Based in Philadelphia, it is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States.

Robinson is the second woman and only the second layperson to lead Catholic Charities USA, the domestic humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church and the nation’s largest network of faith-based social service agencies — including Catholic Charities of Philadelphia.

The Barry Award recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding service to the Church and the community at large. Past honorees include Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, who received the award in 2021, among others.

John Barry (1745–1803), the award’s namesake, was an Irish immigrant and Philadelphia’s leading Catholic naval officer during the American Revolution.

He commanded the Continental Navy in several victorious battles against the British and was the first commodore commissioned by President George Washington in 1794.

Barry is buried at Old St. Mary’s Church, just across Fourth Street from the American Catholic Historical Society’s headquarters in Philadelphia’s Old City.