Since 1972, Barry has worked extensively with investment and retirement planning. Before becoming president of Colonial in 1992, he was First Vice President of the Robinson-Humphrey Company and designed investment policy statements. He is involved in public policy and has served on local, state, and national boards including the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, Santee Cooper, and the SC Economic Development Corporation. He is a Spartanburg native and a graduate of The Citadel.