Michael Barnes is Vice President of the North Alabama region at The Highland Group, and a trailblazer in the general contracting industry. Barnes has driven transformative change within the organization and the community at large.
Born and raised in Huntsville, Barnes takes immense pride in contributing to his hometown. “At The Highland Group we take great pride in our work and our projects have an impact on the community across many areas to include education, healthcare, hospitality, industrial and the business community at large,” said Barnes. “We recognize the responsibility we have to help build a brighter and prosperous future for our beloved Huntsville.”
An alumnus of Auburn University with degrees in building science, and a minor in business, and sustainability, Barnes is responsible for the overall strategic growth of the office and to oversee day-to-day company operations. His leadership has contributed to significant growth for The Highland Group. Since he joined in 2019, the company has experienced over 800% revenue growth and added more than 12 new members to the team. Together they have been instrumental in driving local development and solidifying The Highland Group’s position as a pillar within the Huntsville business community. This team has successfully delivered numerous large-scale projects, aiding the growth of core businesses and organizations within the Tennessee Valley region, spanning government agencies to educational facilities and churches, overseeing $37+ million worth of projects in the north Alabama community.
Barnes’ diverse career portfolio is a testament to his adaptability, managing projects as varied as a $19 million, three-story office building for a tech company, to an innovative $200,000 coffee shop crafted from a shipping container. He contributes to industry podcasts and has been a featured panelist for local industry insights.
Barnes’ commitment to the community extends beyond his professional accomplishments. He has been an active contributor to the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is a respected member of the North Alabama chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. He is also a member of the Planning Commission for the Town of Gurley.
When not overseeing multi-million dollar projects for The Highland Group or giving back to the community, Barnes enjoys fly fishing, ice hockey, and training Boykin Spaniels.
