Christopher Barnett

EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2025 finalist, United States
Founder and Chairman of ABA Centers

Christopher Barnett is leading the charge in accessible autism services.

Driven by a personal mission to change lives, Christopher Barnett has emerged as a transformative force in the autism care sector. He drew from over 20 years of experience in creating, growing and selling companies to establish ABA Centers, an organization that has become the fastest-growing autism care provider in the world. Christopher’s journey began with the challenges he and his wife faced in securing appropriate care for their daughter with autism. This experience motivated Christopher to ensure that other families did not encounter the same obstacles. 

Under his leadership, ABA Centers has expanded its reach to more than 40 service areas across 10 US states, providing essential services to families in need. With a dedicated team of over 2,000 professionals globally, the organization is committed to delivering high-quality care that truly transforms lives. ABA Centers opened 20 new facilities in 2024 alone and has ambitious plans to open an additional 40 centers in 2025, including a location in Puerto Rico — its first facility outside the continental United States. 

Christopher believes that profitability and benevolence can coexist, and that a successful business can also drive meaningful social change. His commitment to improving lives extends beyond ABA Centers. He also leads his newest corporate venture, CurativeAI, which is working to revolutionize hospital systems globally. Through these initiatives, Christopher is contributing to a broader dialogue on health care accessibility and innovation while shaping the future of autism care.