Michael J. Barber (born September 16, 1960) is an American engineer who is an executive at General Electric. His research considers X-ray electronics. He was elected Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering in 2014.
Michael J. Barber | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 16, 1960 Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Alma mater | Milwaukee School of Engineering John Marshall High School |
Early life and education
editBarber was born in Milwaukee and attended John Marshall High School.[1] As a senior, he completed an internship at General Electric, where he was based in medical imaging.[2] He studied electrical engineering at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.[3] During this time, he started to complete more internships at GE, eventually working for them full time and completing his undergraduate degree in night classes.[2]
Research and career
editIn 1981, Barber was appointed to the electrical engineering team at General Electric. He started his career working on software for X-ray imaging systems.[4] After eight years, he moved to computer tomography, where he developed firmware and hardware, and eventually to magnetic resonance imaging. Barber established Healthymagination, the GE strategy on global health, where he was responsible for reducing the costs associated with accessing care by more than 15%.[5]
Barber was made Chief Technology Officer of General Electric Healthcare in 2007, chief operating officer in 2013, and President of computer tomography.[3] Barber developed the United States' first touch-screen interface for X-ray imaging systems.[6] He retired from his engineering role in 2020, and was made Chief Diversity Officer.[7]
At General Electric, Barber developed the Human Resources program, including their African American forum.[8] He serves on the Board of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering.[9] He joined the board of Catalent in 2021.[9]
Awards and honors
edit- 2009 Black Enterprise Master of Innovation[6]
- 2012 Honorary doctorate from the Milwaukee School of Engineering[3]
- 2014 Elected Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering[10]
- 2018 Rotary Person of the Year[1]
- 2022 NAACP Game Changer Award Winners in Education[11]
- 2023 Elected member of National Academy of Engineering[12]
Personal life
editBarber is married to Jackie Herd-Barber, an electrical engineer he met during his undergraduate degree.[3] Together they have two children.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b "Announcing 2018 Rotary Person of the Year". Rotary Club of Milwaukee. May 2, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ a b "The Big Picture: As GE Turns 129 Today, One Business Looks All The Way Back And Into The Future | GE News". www.ge.com. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "Outstanding alumni honored at annual reunion | News". Milwaukee School of Engineering – MSOE. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ "Electronic detectors spring from an x-ray heritage". Diagnostic Imaging. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ "Mike Barber Chief Diversity Officer Appointed July 2020" (PDF).
- ^ a b "Masters of Innovation". Black Enterprise. March 1, 2009. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ "LEADERS Interview with Michael J. Barber, Chief Diversity Officer, GE". www.leadersmag.com. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ BizTimes Staff (March 29, 2021). "Notable Alumni: Michael Barber". BizTimes – Milwaukee Business News. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ a b "Michael J. Barber – Board Member at Catalent". THE ORG. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ "Michael J. Barber COF-1607 – AIMBE". Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ "32 Annual Freedom Fund | NAACP Ozaukee County Branch". Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ "National Academy of Engineering Elects 106 Members and 18 International Members". NAE Website. Retrieved February 25, 2023.