Born and raised in a small coal mining town in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Cotter Barry worked his way up the corporate ladder to ultimately become CEO of a Manhattan based insurance company. In 1999, he retired from the corporate world to devote his time to his life-long passion of writing. As a facilitator for workout sessions and retreats, Cotter Barry was know for addressing awkward subject matters and sensitive issues with a crafty folk style and word play wit. As a poet and writer, his folk style evokes tears, laughter and anguish, as well as rekindles memories, inspires courage and brings peace.