Ames Barnett was born and grew up in Washington, Georgia. He was raised in a family engaged in public service: his grandmother, Mildred Barnett, became the first woman elected to the Washington, Georgia City Council, and his great-uncle Sam McGill served as a Georgia state senator. These examples of civic involvement instilled in him the importance of community service from a young age.
Barnett graduated from Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School in 1994. He then attended Georgia Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology in 1999. During college, he also served as pledge educator for the Sigma Chi fraternity.
Ames Barnett grew up in Washington, Georgia, and pursued engineering and entrepreneurship from an early age. He earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology from Georgia Southern University in 1999. While still a student (starting around 1996), Barnett worked part-time in the family business, Barnett Southern. After graduation, he formally joined the firm as a partner in 2000 and eventually became sole owner in 2009. During this time, he continued his technical education, applying civil engineering training to the company’s projects. The combination of academic training and hands-on experience laid the foundation for his future leadership roles.
Ames Barnett Early Career | Net Worth (2025) | Estimated between $10 million and $20 million |
| Education | B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology, Georgia Southern University |
| Profession | Business Executive, CEO of Barnett Southern Corporation |
| Company Name | Barnett Southern Corporation (Washington, Georgia, USA) |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
Under Barnett’s leadership, Barnett Southern Corporation has grown into a multi-divisional heavy civil construction firm. He spearheaded the creation of Barnett Southern Logistics, LLCwhen the company expanded its trucking and transportation services. By 2016 the company reported over $15 million in annual revenues. Today, Barnett serves as CEO of Barnett Southern Corporation, guiding operations in civil construction, logistics, energy, marine, and disaster-relief projects. In parallel with his business career, Barnett took on civic leadership.
He was elected to the Washington, GA City Council (2008–2012) and then served two terms as Mayor starting in 2012. He also engaged in professional associations; for example, he chaired Leadership Georgia’s 2012 program after graduating from its 2011 class and later became President of Region 7 of the Georgia Municipal Association. His role in Region 7 (covering parts of east-central Georgia) involves coordinating municipal interests and policy among local governments.
Throughout his career, Barnett Southern has earned local honors under Ames Barnett’s stewardship. The company was named “Big Business of the Year” (2014)by the Washington–Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. In the same year, Barnett was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal to the Georgia State Workforce Investment Board, recognizing his contributions to state economic development. In 2015 the Washington–Wilkes Chamber members voted Barnett “Citizen of the Year”for civic service and business leadership. These awards underscore Barnett’s reputation for growing a successful enterprise while staying involved in community affairs.
In recent years, Barnett Southern has continued to diversify and expand under his direction. The company’s leadership page (2025)lists Ames Barnett as CEO, highlighting his role in driving innovation across all divisions. The firm emphasizes teamwork and state-of-the-art equipment, reflecting Barnett’s emphasis on quality and safety in construction. While remaining CEO, Barnett also maintains positions in industry and civic organizations. For example, he remains active with the Georgia Municipal Association and similar bodies, and he continues to sit on advisory and investment boards related to workforce and infrastructure.
Throughout his career, Ames Barnett has combined technical expertise (grounded in his engineering education) with entrepreneurial leadership. He built Barnett Southern from a small family business into a thriving contractor with multiple specialties. His tenure included formal titles of part-owner, sole owner, and now CEO, while concurrently serving in elected office as city councilman and mayor. Each stage of this timeline is documented by credible sources: university publications, state economic-development profiles, and the company’s own site. These sources confirm his credentials and achievements, ensuring a comprehensive, up-to-date view of Ames Barnett’s professional career.
As of 2025, reports from online outlets estimate Ames Barnett’s net worth to be between $10 million and $20 million, though major financial publications have not verified this figure. His wealth is primarily derived from his role as owner and CEO of Barnett Southern Corporation, a company specializing in civil construction, logistics, marine and energy services.