Bill Blackburn

Bill Blackburn, CDR, USN (ret) is the founder and President of Blackburn & Associates, LLC and an Affiliate of Academy Leadership. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Leadership for Villanova University. Bill has spent three careers and over 36 years immersed in the study and practice of leadership and exceptional performance. During his 20 year career as a naval officer and aviator, he served in critical leadership roles that required both his own personal leadership and his ability to build teams and organizations to achieve highly complex assignments. On multiple occasions, he commanded CH-46 helicopter units on extended overseas deployments supporting the Navy’s aircraft carrier battle groups. After attending the US Army War College, he served on the joint staff of the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific as one of the key briefers in the Strategic Plans Division. Bill also served as the Executive Officer of the NROTC Units at Villanova University and the University of Pennsylvania.

In 15 years as a consultant for Gap International, a firm known for its expertise in breakthrough business results, Bill honed his skills as an effective executive coach for senior business leaders. His partnership with these leaders and their teams consistently resulted in their businesses producing sustainable exceptional business performance. He is a skilled facilitator in leadership development, strategic and operational planning, organizational alignment and team building.

Since joining Academy Leadership in 2009, Bill has lead both public programs and designed and delivered internal leadership programs for public and private organizations.

Bill graduated from the US Naval Academy with a BS in Aerospace Engineering and from San Diego State University with a MA in Education. He is also a graduate of the US Army War College. Bill resides in Chester County with his wife, Kristi, and their twin sons, Chase and Colten.