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Danen Barnhart
Sr. Director, Information Technology, The Boeing Company
Professional Background
Danen Barnhart is a seasoned IT Senior Director at Boeing Commercial Airplane Programs, where he leads the IT strategy and oversees capability delivery and sustainment across several critical divisions, including Commercial Airplane Programs, Fabrication and Propulsion Divisions, and Boeing Test & Evaluation. In this strategic role, he focuses on enhancing business productivity and driving growth through the prioritization of IT capabilities that facilitate improvements in various operational areas. With an extensive background that spans over three decades with Boeing, Danen has accumulated a wealth of experience in diverse fields ranging from Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Operations to Program Management and Supplier Quality.
Since joining Boeing in 1991, Danen has held multiple roles, each progressively more responsible and impactful. His journey began in the realm of Industrial Engineering, where he honed his analytical and problem-solving skills. From there, he transitioned to pivotal roles involving Manufacturing Operations, focusing on optimizing production processes and ensuring quality standards were met. Further advancing his career, Danen took on Program Management roles where he successfully led initiatives aimed at implementing major processes and systems across various sectors of the company, including the highly esteemed 787 Program.
In recent years, Danen has also dedicated his expertise to Information Technology, overseeing systems that support crucial functions such as Engineering Systems, Manufacturing & Quality Systems, and Supply Chain Systems. His leadership in these areas showcases his relentless pursuit of innovation and efficiency, as he collaborates with diverse teams to orchestrate the IT ecosystem necessary for Boeing's continued success.
Education and Achievements
Danen Barnhart prides himself on his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. He obtained his Master’s degree in Business Management & Leadership from Antioch University Seattle, a program renowned for its focus on practical leadership skills that can be directly applied in the corporate environment. This advanced degree has significantly augmented his ability to lead teams effectively and inspire growth within his organization.
Prior to his master's, Danen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Central Washington University. This foundational education has provided him with the necessary tools to understand the intricacies of business operations and management, which he has carried throughout his career.
In addition to his formal education, Danen has actively participated in various leadership roles outside of his immediate job responsibilities. He formerly served as the Chair at Boeing, where he was instrumental in steering initiatives that aligned with the company’s goals and evolving market trends. Furthermore, Danen contributed his expertise as a Board Member at the YMCA of Snohomish County, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.
Achievements
Throughout his career at Boeing, Danen Barnhart has been recognized for his contributions to enhancing operational efficiencies and implementing innovative IT strategies. His leadership has been crucial in scaling Boeing’s IT capabilities, aligning them with the company's broader objectives, and ensuring that the infrastructure is well-equipped to handle increasing demands.
Moreover, his ability to liaise between various IT organizations encompassing application development, infrastructure, enterprise architecture, factory automation, business intelligence/analytics, and information security has set a strong foundation for collaboration across departments, all while adhering to Boeing’s rigorous standards of safety and excellence.
As Danen continues to navigate the complexities of the aerospace industry, his substantial experience, reinforced by comprehensive education and a passion for leadership, makes him an invaluable asset to not only Boeing but also to the wider community in which he actively participates.
