Anthony Barnes is a native of Savannah, Ga. Tony graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was designated a Naval Flight Officer. After a long and storied naval career, Tony continued working in diversity and inclusion programs as he led the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

A longtime member and supporter of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA), he served as the group's national from 2011 to 2012, successfully moving the association forward.