Rush Leadership Announcement Cheri M. Barry

Sep 8, 2017

Cheri Barry is Executive Director of The Foundation for Rush. The Foundation for Rush exists to build upon the Rush legacy of medical innovation and service to others. The Foundation for Rush includes fundraising for and administration of the Rush Employee Emergency Grant Fund program as well as for other special projects benefitting the organization and those it serves.

Barry received a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from the University of Mississippi with a degree in merchandising and a double minor in Business and Art. After graduating from college, she moved back to Meridian to work as a social worker with the Department of Human Services. Six years later, she took over her family-owned business, Bonnie Jean’s and B J’s Alley, and, after the family sold the business, she served as executive director of the Key Chapter of the American Red Cross for seven years. In 2009, Cheri was elected Mayor of Meridian and served a four year term.  Barry is married to Meridian attorney Rick Barry and they have three adult children and three grandchildren.

“Cheri has an outstanding reputation for leadership, service and compassion. The Foundation for Rush has benefitted greatly from the wealth of knowledge and experience she brings to the position. We are very fortunate to have someone with her integrity, diverse background, and most importantly her unwavering commitment to and love for our community and its people,” said Rush Health Systems President and CEO Wallace Strickland in making the announcement.