Robert D. Blackwell, Sr. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert (Bob) D. Blackwell, Sr. is chairman and chief executive officer of Blackwell Consulting Services. A well-known leader in management and information technology, Bob's computer industry expertise spans more than 35 years. He is known in the industry for being a visionary and dynamic leader. In 1992, after working for more than 25 years with International Business Machines (IBM), Bob founded Blackwell. Today the company is a national full service, full life-cycle management and information technology consulting firm, serving the Global 1000 and middle market enterprises. With nearly 300 consultants, and an estimated revenue of $36 million in 2004, Blackwell has grown to become one of the largest minority-owned management and IT firms in the U.S. Bob's career began as a systems engineer at IBM in 1966 where he designed applications for hospitals and universities. In 1973 he switched professional gears by embarking on an extensive management and marketing-oriented career path for IBM. When he retired from IBM as director of the Greater Chicago Consulting Services Business, he managed more than 200 people and generated $300 million in revenue. As a result of his leadership, IBM's consulting business, consisting of outsourcing, systems integration, application development, design, installation of complex calling systems, value-added networks and fee-based education, grew in size every year. Education and Associations Bob holds a bachelor's degree from Wichita State University. He is a member of the Mayor's Council of Technology Advisors, the Executives' Club of Chicago, the Economic Club of Chicago and the Metropolitan Club of Chicago. Bob also sits on the board for the Illinois Institute of Technology and the board of trustees of both the Museum of Science and Industry, and Lakeside Bank. Bob's passion for and dedication to the arts has fueled his support of the Arts and Business Council (ABC), the Joel Hall Dance Company (past president), the Neighborhood Writing Alliance (chairman of the board) and the ETA Creative Arts Foundation (chairman of the board). www.bcsinc.com