Douglas Barkema

About Douglas Barkema

Not your typical business attorney, I am a relationship builder and connector with a creative streak. As an executive partner, Board of Directors (BOD) advisor and legal expert, I serve as an integral part of the business (In the Boat) creating corporate strategy and solutions, connecting people and developing options for a sustainable future. I guide the development and management of legal strategy and governance, communications and compliance functions and teams. My leadership style is servant-oriented and relational, blended with a pragmatic, systemic approach.Driven to create a legal department model to benefit my teams and organization, I developed the transformational “In the Boat” program for in-house legal teams.IN THE BOAT PROGRAM1. Develop comprehensive knowledge of the business and industry2. Understand law applicable to the legal function of the business3. Apply law to construct solutions and accomplish business objectives4. MOTTO: No is rarely the right answerSELECT ACHIEVEMENTS Facilitated the Ardent Mills startup and built legal, compliance and Board/corporate governance operations from scratch. Created strategy for managing real estate and Intellectual Property (IP) portfolios and led negotiations for commercial real estate, idled assets and IP portfolios. Established the first company Code of Conduct and related program. Selected and placed the right talent into the right roles, developed multi-disciplinary teams into business partners and created the Transformational Lawyers Program. Led all legal aspects of M&A, joint ventures and transactions, including due diligence processes and asset acquisition.Recognizing the power of a focused, cohesive team (and as a caring person), I foster a forward-thinking, inclusive and fun culture. We act with passion for our mission and drive legal operations to exceptionally high quality and customer service standards. I believe personal growth and professional development is essential to creating a balanced, enjoyable life and take every opportunity to inspire the pursuit of learning. This is why we’re here – to learn, grow and create ‘better’ than before. Servant Leadership | Team Building | Team Development | Business Growth Strategy | Legal Operations Management | Corporate Governance | Executive Partner | Communications Planning | Risk Management | Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)| Dispute Resolution | Crisis Management | Real Estate Portfolio Management | IP Portfolio Management | Compliance Management

Experience

1. Vice President and Deputy General Counsel

   Compassion International

   Dec 2025 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   Serving Compassion International to help remove barriers and create opportunities to \"release children from poverty, in Jesus\' name.\"Lead a diverse global legal team—including attorneys, paralegals, contract counsel, and external law firms—supporting the ministry across key areas such as contracts, compliance, employment and labor law, intellectual property, litigation, political affairs, and nonprofit regulations.

Education

• Bethel Seminary-St. Paul

  Masters of Art Theological Studies, Summa Cum Laude, Theology/Divinity/Ministry

  2011 — 2014

• University of Iowa College of Law

  Doctor of Law - JD, with high distinction

  2000 — 2003

• Iowa State University - Ivy College of Business

  Bachelor of Science - BS, with honors and distinction, Finance, General

  1994 — 1998

Skills

• Commercial Litigation
• Corporate Law
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Employment Law