A graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law, Buckley has been with the archdiocese for six years. Along with an associate general counsel, a paralegal and a legal assistant, Buckley’s general counsel office oversees the archdiocese’s legal affairs, including those at parishes, schools, agencies and ministries. In addition, until recently he oversaw the archdiocesan Peace & Justice Commission, which Archbishop Robert J. Carlson formed in 2015 in response to violence in Ferguson.

In accepting the award, Buckley credited the people with whom he works, whether inside the archdiocese or outside.

“It’s an honor to be recognized, but it’s really their inspiration and efforts and dedication and service that makes this possible — people throughout the archdiocese and outside law firms that provide excellent advice and assistance,” he said, adding that “it’s very nice to be recognized, and it’s certainly an honor and privilege to work for the archdiocese.”

In addition to Buckley, David Snively was honored for his work at Monsanto, through its sale to Bayer. A parishioner at Incarnate Word in Chesterfield, Snively is a board member for the Roman Catholic Foundation of Eastern Missouri.

The other award winners are: Amanda Auer (Lawrence Group); Paula Finlay (AT&T); Barry Klinckhardt (Fabick CAT); Alex Lee (TKC Holdings); and Susan Myers (Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District).