David Barnes

Dr David Barnes, PhD is a leading voice on artificial intelligence governance, digital transformation and ethical leadership. A former Brigadier General in the US Army and Founder and CEO of Empowering AI, he is best known for being named among Forbes’ ‘15 AI Ethics Leaders Showing the World the Way of the Future’. David is a trusted advisor to governments, universities and global enterprises, guiding senior leaders to harness AI responsibly while driving innovation and performance.

David began his career in the US Army, where he served for more than three decades in operational, strategic and academic roles. After earning a BS in Aero-Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, he pursued an MA in Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, followed by a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Colorado Boulder. His time in uniform was marked by a commitment to ethical command and to developing the next generation of principled leaders in complex environments.

Throughout his distinguished career, David has held several influential positions. As Professor and Deputy Department Head at the United States Military Academy, he oversaw a major redesign of the ethics and philosophy curriculum. Later, as Chief AI Ethics Officer at the US Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center, he became the Army’s senior advisor on the ethical and policy implications of AI-enabled systems, helping to operationalise the Army’s Responsible AI Strategy. He has also served as Senior AI Ethics Advisor at DARPA, Research Fellow at the Stockholm Centre for the Ethics of War and Peace and Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI. Today, as Founder and CEO of Empowering AI, he works with organisations across defence, healthcare, cybersecurity and higher education to align AI innovation with governance and strategy.

Dr David Barnes is a speaker who delivers insight with authority and clarity. Audiences value his ability to translate complex AI challenges into practical leadership lessons, helping organisations prepare for a future shaped by intelligent technologies. He speaks on responsible AI governance, ethical leadership, digital transformation and risk management. David’s experience at the intersection of technology, ethics and leadership makes him an essential voice for organisations that want to lead change responsibly and confidently.