Commonwealth Associates, Inc. has named Samuel R. Barnes, P.E., as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, he will oversee the daily operation, health, and efficiency of the organization and drive growth and innovation that increases value creation for Commonwealth’s clients.
Barnes joined Commonwealth in 2012 to launch and develop the firm’s Power Generation and Energy Department. His leadership generally, and specifically in the department’s growth, led to the 2016 appointment of Barnes as the firm’s Executive Vice President, a title he retains.
Barnes holds a Master in Business Administration from the University of Michigan, where he also earned his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is active and visible in the industry through his leadership and service on conference planning committees, to include COAL-GEN, Electric Power, and the CIGRE U.S. National Committee. He also is recognized in the community for his work as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Jackson College in Jackson, Michigan.
Chief Executive Officer Richard Collins commented, “Since his arrival, Sam’s passion, energy, and dedication to the growth and success of the firm, its professionals, and our clients have been obvious. Combined with his significant technical expertise and strong business acumen, he was a natural choice for this newly established key role.”
Commonwealth is an EC&M Magazine 2017 Top 10 engineering consultancy committed to influencing and shaping the secure energy future. The firm serves utilities, independent power producers, government, industrial clients, and some of the world’s most prestigious educational, research, and healthcare institutions. Headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, Commonwealth has regional offices in Columbus, Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Spokane, Washington; and Everett, Washington.
