Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Wake Forest University School of Medicine have named J. Steven Barnes as the new Vice President of Philanthropy for Academics, effective May 18. Barnes joins the institutional community with a distinguished 25-year track record of driving mission-driven advancement across both healthcare systems and higher education.
Barnes arrives from Duke Health Development & Alumni Affairs, where he most recently served as Senior Associate Vice President and Interim Vice President. During his tenure at Duke, he helped guide record-setting fundraising and campaign planning efforts, including leading philanthropic initiatives that generated more than $1 billion in support ahead of a major campaign launch. His extensive leadership background also includes key advancement roles at Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Middle Tennessee State University.
A recognized leader in the field, Barnes is actively engaged with national professional organizations, including the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy. Over his career, he has earned numerous honors for professional excellence, including the Duke University Presidential Award and a fellowship with the CASE Minority Advancement Institute.
As the School of Medicine and Advocate Health continue to expand their impact across education, research, patient care, and innovation, philanthropy remains essential to elevating institutional excellence. Barnes’ expertise in building collaborative partnerships and fostering strong cultures of philanthropy will directly support these future-shaping goals.
In his new role, Barnes will report directly to Shannon Duval, Enterprise Chief Philanthropy Officer. The institutional community extends a warm welcome to Steven, his wife Keta, and their daughters, Amya and Kayla.
Barnes arrives from Duke Health Development & Alumni Affairs, where he most recently served as Senior Associate Vice President and Interim Vice President. During his tenure at Duke, he helped guide record-setting fundraising and campaign planning efforts, including leading philanthropic initiatives that generated more than $1 billion in support ahead of a major campaign launch. His extensive leadership background also includes key advancement roles at Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Middle Tennessee State University.
A recognized leader in the field, Barnes is actively engaged with national professional organizations, including the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy. Over his career, he has earned numerous honors for professional excellence, including the Duke University Presidential Award and a fellowship with the CASE Minority Advancement Institute.
As the School of Medicine and Advocate Health continue to expand their impact across education, research, patient care, and innovation, philanthropy remains essential to elevating institutional excellence. Barnes’ expertise in building collaborative partnerships and fostering strong cultures of philanthropy will directly support these future-shaping goals.
In his new role, Barnes will report directly to Shannon Duval, Enterprise Chief Philanthropy Officer. The institutional community extends a warm welcome to Steven, his wife Keta, and their daughters, Amya and Kayla.