Walt Blackford
Senior Associate with Context Institute
Independent consultant and writer

Walt Blackford received his undergraduate degree in communications/environmental studies from University of California at Davis and a masters degree from the Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.

During graduate school Walt's studies and independent research focused on the role of business in society -- especially a broader view of the social responsibilities of the business community beyond measures of financial performance. Since that time, he has worked in various capacities to promote and implement socially responsible policies and practices by business. Over the years Walt has studied a variety of related issues, including: organizational theory and design; leadership; sustainability; the dialogue process; conflict resolution; and the changing workplace.

Walt's professional career began with The Denver Partnership, a downtown planning and development organization, where he created and coordinated The Denver Business Challenge, a program to promote community involvement, volunteerism, and philanthropy within the business community. Walt discovered his previously untapped entrepreneurial spirit when he accepted an offer to become a partner in a real estate development firm that was a pioneer in renovating and restoring historic buildings for residential and commercial uses near downtown Denver.

Since 1985, Walt has worked primarily as a consultant to small businesses (including entrepreneurs and start-ups), nonprofit organizations, and local government agencies. Assignments generally have been related to communications, marketing, community relations, planning, operations, project design, and project management. In 1996, he lived and studied for six months in England at Schumacher College, an international center for ecological studies. During this time Walt served as an advisor to the Director of the College in the areas of fundraising, publicity, communications, and operations.

Walt's relocation from Denver, Colorado to Langley, Washington in November 1996 fulfilled a longstanding dream to live and work in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to his work with the Institute, Walt is developing projects with other organizations and individuals in the region, as well as beginning to work on several of his own ideas for books, plays, and consulting services.