Barry Blackwell

Barry Blackwell is a community relations and government affairs professional whose work exist at the intersection of strategy, civic engagement, and local driven leadership. As Director of Community Engagement at Henry Ford Health, he leads city-wide engagement initiatives that connect organizational priorities with the needs and voices of Detroit residents. In this role, Barry has been instrumental in building strategic partnerships, and shaping public relations initiatives that foster stronger, more inclusive communities.

In his current role, Barry played a critical role in building out the engagement around the Future of Health Project though the City’s Community Benefit Ordinance (CBO) process, a historic effort representing a $3 billion investment, the largest of its kind in the city’s CBO history. He played a central role in design and implementation of a framework that ensured community voices were not only included but instrumental during the process.

Barry’s path into public service and leadership began early. At just 19 years old, he ran for Detroit City Council, making history as the youngest candidate ever to do so. While the campaign didn’t secure a spot on the city council, it left a lifelong impression, instilling lessons of resilience, and the power of civic engagement. Those lessons continue to guide Barry’s leadership philosophy, grounding his work in the belief that nothing stops Detroit, when we come together.

ver the course of his career, Barry has developed expertise in engagement, government affairs, economic development, strategy, and organizational leadership, and is committed to deepening his understanding, and expertise in these fields. Prior to joining Henry Ford Health, he held a key role in Detroit City Council under Council President Mary Sheffield, where Barry played a role in advancing initiatives that centered community engagement, strengthened public policy, and partnerships.

With more than a decade of experience, Barry is deeply committed to public service. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs from Wayne State University and a master’s in public administration from Central Michigan University, with a focus on Non-Profit Management, furthering his expertise to create impact change in Detroit.