Troy Blackwell is an award-winning global communications and public affairs executive whose career spans corporate leadership, diplomacy, and public service. A former presidential appointee and diplomat, he has advised complex institutions navigating moments of transformation, geopolitical uncertainty, and reputational risk.
Blackwell is currently a Distinguished Fellow at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, where he focuses on how emerging communication tools and digital technologies can strengthen organizational performance, public trust, and societal outcomes.
Most notably, Blackwell served in senior public affairs and engagement roles across both the 44th and 46th Presidential Administrations. Appointed by President Joe Biden, he was Deputy Chief Communications Officer at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the second-largest intellectual property office in the world. In this role, he led enterprise-wide external affairs for a $4.5 billion operation, becoming the agency’s highest-ranking Latino official during the administration. Earlier, Blackwell held a diplomatic appointment as Global Spokesperson at the U.S. Peace Corps—the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the role.
In addition to government, Blackwell serves on Google’s Changemakers Advisory Board and is Vice Chairman of the Diversity Action Alliance. He is a proud member of the International Association of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).