Dennis Barnes joins Yale University as Associate Director of AI Platform Services
The former GE Vernova digital workplace leader joins Yale to support the development of accessible and secure AI capabilities across the university
Dennis Barnes has joined Yale University as Associate Director of AI Platform Services
Dennis Barnes has confirmed his appointment as Associate Director of AI Platform Services at Yale University, where he is contributing to the development of AI platforms and services supporting the institution's wider community.
Barnes joined the US university in March 2026, following more than two decades in technology leadership roles at GE and, most recently, GE Vernova.
Confirming his move in a LinkedIn post, he wrote:
"It’s been an exciting opportunity to contribute to Yale’s evolving AI landscape and help advance the platforms, services, and capabilities that enable innovation across the university."
From enterprise IT leadership to university AI platforms
Before joining Yale, Barnes served as Senior Director, Digital Workplace at GE Vernova from September 2023 to December 2025. During that period, he established and led a technology support organization serving the company's senior leadership, with responsibility for a team of more than 20 engineers and a $15 million operating budget.
His earlier career at GE included senior positions spanning global digital workplace services, IT infrastructure and digital operations, with experience in technology transformation, service delivery and large-scale IT management.
At Yale, Barnes is now focused on helping develop the university's AI capabilities, with an emphasis on making the technology accessible and secure for its community.
ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 open for entries
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 are now open for entries, with 26 categories recognising companies, institutions, projects and individuals making a measurable impact across education technology. The global awards span AI in education, digital learning, higher education, skills and workforce, inclusion, education operations, evidence and impact, with entries managed through ETIH’s new online awards platform.
Entries are open worldwide, with the early-bird deadline on Friday 18 December 2026 and the final entry deadline on Friday 26 February 2027 at 23:59 UK time.
Explore the 2027 categories and judging criteria, read the How to Enter guide or start an entry through the ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 platform.
