Liberty Mutual’s Tim Sweeney Receives John & Virginia Kaneb Justice and Compassion Award

As a student at the now former Saint Margaret Elementary School in Lowell, Mass., Tim Sweeney was shaped by faith, education, and values that he carried with him from the Merrimack Valley to the top of the insurance industry.

“(Those experiences) in my life taught me the importance of community, humility, service, and responsibility to others,” said Sweeney, who serves as the Chairman, President & CEO of Liberty Mutual Insurance. “Leadership is ultimately about stewardship, about using whatever influence we may have to make life better for others.”

For his leadership, commitment to bettering society, and Liberty Mutual’s nearly three decades of partnership with Catholic Charities Boston, Sweeney was presented with the 2026 John & Virginia Kaneb Justice and Compassion Award at the agency’s Spring Celebration on Wednesday, May 27.

“Every day, (Catholic Charities) meets people where they are, in moments of uncertainty, struggle, and vulnerability,” Sweeney said. “And you do so with dignity, compassion, and respect. You help families find stability, you support children and seniors, you welcome those who are searching for safety, belonging, and a path forward. And you remind people in very practical ways that they are not alone. That kind of work changes lives and also strengthens communities.”

Catholic Charities Boston and Liberty Mutual have enjoyed a long-standing partnership, which includes Liberty’s support for the Teen Center in Dorchester, the annual Serve With Liberty initiative, in which staff volunteer at Catholic Charities sites, and support for a leadership training and development program at Catholic Charities.

“Liberty Mutual has been committed to the success and stability of non-profits like Catholic Charities,” said Kelley Tuthill, President and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston. “Helping us to function more efficiently and effectively. And encouraging us to work more collaboratively with each other. Always asking what we ask our clients, ‘What do you need?’ ‘How can we help?’”

In his remarks to the more than 400 guests gathered at Spring Celebration, Sweeney reflected on the role companies like Liberty Mutual have in helping people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow, especially when times are difficult. He noted that Liberty Mutual is accomplishing this through its foundation, which was recently announced to have a $600 million endowment.

“We know that philanthropy is important, but we also know that lasting impact comes from long-term partnership, listening carefully, and working alongside trusted organizations like Catholic Charities Boston, which understand the community’s needs,” Sweeney said. “That is one of the reasons our relationship with Catholic Charities has meant so much to us.”

The Justice and Compassion Award is named for John, a past Catholic Charities board chair, and Virginia Kaneb, longtime champions of the agency. Past award recipients include business and non-profit leaders, philanthropists, and social justice activists. The honoree receives a custom-made peace dove sculpture by Nancy Schön, the artist who created the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture in the Boston Public Garden.

“Liberty Mutual is proud to stand with Catholic Charities in its work, and we will continue to do so because building stronger communities requires all of us to lead with compassion, act with purpose, and never lose sight of our responsibility to one another,” Sweeney said. “And on a personal level, I am honored to stand with you in that shared and noble mission.”