Rachel Blakeman

About Rachel Blakeman

I am the director of the Purdue University Fort Wayne Community Research Institute. CRI provides contract-based research and analysis for public- and private-sector and non-profit clients to help leaders make informed decisions. Historically CRI has focused on economic development and workforce data but under my leadership, expanded its client base to include project management, grant writing and grant administration. I use an outcomes-based approach to my work at CRI while making complex material easy to understand.My experience includes local government project management, regulatory compliance, communications and legislative affairs with an emphasis on state legislation. Other experience includes print journalism and marketing.I am a member of the Allen County Bar Association. A cum laude graduate of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and now McKinney Alumni Association board member, I was a Program on Law and State Government Fellow in 2013. My research was state government\'s role in economic development, specifically advanced manufacturing. I was also awarded the Lawrence P. Wilkins Award of Tutorial Excellence for her work as a constitutional law tutor in the Dean\'s Tutorial Society, in classroom and one-on-one settings. She has also conducted workshops on communications and media relations.Summary of Qualifications:Strong written and verbal communications skills to various audiencesTrack record of building professional relationships with internal and external stakeholdersMedia relations experience in print, television and radio formats with ability to identify what is newsworthy and present information effectively to working journalistsPublic speaking, presentation experienceSelf-motivated and deadline-oriented with attention to detail Ability to break down complex ideas into understandable information with relevant contextPrint journalism backgroundSocial media and e-mail newsletter experienceExperience in state and local government, public policy, legislative advocacyTrack record of building professional relationships with internal and external stakeholdersAttorney licenses in Indiana (active) and Ohio (inactive)

Experience

1. Community Research Institute Director

   Purdue University Fort Wayne

   Jul 2017 — Present · Fort Wayne, IN, US

   I work with clients to provide impartial, contract-based research and analysis, with an emphasis on human services, economic development and workforce data, to enable leaders to make informed decisions. I give my clients the ability to understand the information in context. Services include quantitative and qualitative data analysis, project management, and grant writing.Generated and managed $21.6 million of state grants for client through competitive grant writing and CRI\'s clients have been awarded $13.2 million in competitive federal funds through discretionary grants in transportation and human services. Secured technical assistance agreements with more than 20 new clients by focusing on non-profit agencies and foundations.I am a trusted media source locally and statewide for economic and workforce development news, completing more than 280 interviews since the pandemic\'s onset in March 2020.I have served as the Department of Public Policy/Department of Criminal Justice and Public Administration internship coordinator. I have taught Law and Public Policy and Hospitality and Tourism Law online at Purdue Fort Wayne.

Education

• Ball State University

  Bachelors, Journalism-News Editorial

• Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

  Juris Doctor, Law

• Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

  Doctor of Law (J.D.)