AI CERTs^® Announces Appointment of Michael Barnes as New Business Advisory Board Member 

New York, USA, 09 June, 2025 — AI CERTs®, a leading global provider of vendor-aligned, role-focused certifications, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Barnes to its Business Advisory Board. Barnes will help guide the organization’s mission to bridge the global AI skills gap and build agile, future-ready workforces equipped to thrive in an increasingly intelligent economy. 

Speaking on the appointment, Russell Sarder, CEO of AI CERTs®, said: “We are honored to welcome Michael Barnes to our Business Advisory Board. His deep leadership experience in workforce development and credentialing, paired with a national perspective on policy and innovation, makes him an invaluable voice as we scale our mission. Michael’s guidance will help ensure our certifications remain practical, role-specific, and strategically aligned with the needs of employers, learners, and industries evolving under AI.” 

Michael Barnes is currently the Chief Operating Officer at the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), where he oversees a globally respected portfolio of certifications held by over 70,000 professionals across critical industries. He brings with him two decades of experience in workforce strategy and development, having previously served as Chief Workforce Officer for the State of Indiana and as Director of Workforce Solutions at CompTIA. Throughout his career, Barnes has championed the role of high-quality credentials in connecting talent to opportunity. Prior to joining BCSP, he led a $250M national workforce fund supporting initiatives under the CHIPS Act, aimed at restoring U.S. leadership in microchip design and manufacturing. 

The Advisory Board plays a critical role in shaping AI CERTs®’ innovation roadmap, ensuring the development of ISO 17024:2012-aligned certification programs that reflect real-world competencies across industries. With Michael Barnes’s appointment, AI CERTs® deepens its commitment to building a globally recognized ecosystem of industry-aligned certifications, empowering developers, strategists, and service leaders alike to thrive in an AI-powered world. 

About AI CERTs® 

AI CERTs® is a globally recognized certification body specializing in role-based credentials in Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain technologies. Aligned with ISO 17024:2012 standards, its programs set a global benchmark for quality and credibility, empowering professionals with practical, job-ready skills through hands-on, real-world application. 

Serving a broad spectrum of roles, from developers and data analysts to business leaders and frontline teams, AI CERTs bridges the global tech skills gap with our ever-expanding portfolio.  

With 45+ new certifications in development, the organization remains firmly positioned at the forefront of emerging technology education. For more information, visit www.aicerts.ai 

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