ABOUT KATHA BLACKWELL

Experience in relationships. Perspective from leadership.

Katha Blackwell, LMSW, is an executive social worker, author, speaker, and former nonprofit President & CEO. Her work brings together more than twenty years of relationship-focused practice and the experience of leading an organization through complex decisions.

Building healthy relationships at home, at work and in leadership.

Katha Blackwell, LMSW

HER STORY

A commitment that began close to home

Katha grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she saw women in her family struggle through painful relationships. Early on, she decided to make helping others build healthier relationships part of her life's work.

Her path took her through field research at Michigan State University, a master's in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago, and work with individuals and families as a case manager, domestic violence prevention advocate, and program administrator.

For eleven years, Katha served at Partnership Against Domestic Violence in Atlanta, including four as President & CEO. She led shelter and housing services for hundreds of families each year and a $6 million capital campaign for a new emergency shelter.

In 2026, she stepped away to build a practice centered on direct work with people navigating relationships and leadership. She brings both hands-on service experience and the perspective of an executive who has made difficult organizational decisions.

EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS

From direct service to executive leadership

Social work

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Georgia, with more than twenty years in relationship and family-centered work.

Nonprofit leadership

Former President & CEO of Partnership Against Domestic Violence, with experience across shelter, housing, crisis response, boards, and fundraising.

Writing & speaking

Author of two books on healthier relationships, featured on NPR and radio, and speaker at conferences nationwide.

WORK WITH KATHA

Support that connects home, work, and leadership

Katha works with individuals and couples on relationship questions, leaders on the people side of their roles, organizations on nonprofit leadership challenges, and audiences through speaking and workshops. The common thread is practical, candid work on how people relate to one another.

Relationship Coaching → Executive Coaching → Nonprofit Consulting → Speaking & Workshops →

BEYOND THE PRACTICE

Books and conversations

Katha has written two books on healthier relationships, including one under the pen name Coach Dean Black. She also hosts After the Silence: Leaving Abuse & Starting Over, a podcast for people rebuilding after an unhealthy relationship.

Explore the books → Listen to the podcast →

NEXT STEP

Start a conversation with Katha

Explore coaching or consulting through a discovery call, or reach out about speaking and workshops.

Schedule a Free Discovery Call Return to the homepage