Danielle Whitworth Barnes

Danielle Whitworth Barnes is the Executive Director for Ernst & Young in the Government and Public Sector Practice. In this role, she sets strategies for market development, leads business operations, and manages relationships across various state and local government entities.

Prior to EY, Danielle served as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet as the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Service. Under two different Governors, she led the operations and strategic direction of the state’s second-largest agency, providing services to approximately two million Tennesseans each year.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Spelman College and her law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. She is active in the Nashville community, serving as a Board Member for the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence, Douglas Henry State Mu