Dr. Barry Culhane is both the Executive Assistant to the President and an associate professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Barry is a Rochester native, attending Gates-Chili High School and then going on the University of Windsor in Canada. After college, he served in the US Army as a medic from 1969-71.

Barry serves on the Al Sigl Community of Agencies Board of Governors and the Al Sigl Community of Agencies Board of Directors, where he served as Chair from 2004-06. He currently serves on the Capital Campaign Committee and helped initiate the alliance between Al Sigl and RIT to focus on research to increase “Access and Inclusion”.

As a current member of the Rochester Rotary Club, he served as President from 2000-01. He is a two-time Paul Harris Award recipient, and was named Chair of the Rotary Award Committee in 2015. Barry has also served as Chair of the Board of Upstate Multiple Sclerosis. He was named the Multiple Sclerosis “Angel” of the year in 2007.

In 1987, Barry became the President of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial of Greater Rochester. The Memorial, which has found its home in Highland Park, has been a place of great pride and solace since its dedication in 1996. The memorial commemorates the service, valor, and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans, as well as all who were touched by the effects of the war. This unique place of tranquility and honor, provides an opportunity for learning, remembering, and peaceful reflection.

Barry has received countless awards for his work, including the individual community Volunteer of the Year as the recipient of the United Way of Greater Rochester, and the Outstanding Service Award from Vietnam Veterans of America. In 2006, Mayor Bob Duffy and Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks declared September 8th “Barry Culhane Day” in recognition of his 20-year term as President of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

One of Barry’s hobbies is pen and ink line drawing and, since 1981, he has created 35 original Christmas card drawings. Barry also enjoys photography, golf, collecting sports memorabilia, writing and travel. Currently, he resides in Pittsford, with his wife Christine. His daughters Katie and Cari reside in Florida and North Carolina, respectively.

It is our great honor to recognize Barry Culhane as the Grand Marshal for the
2017 TOPS Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade.