Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Blackwood
Hi Meg, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve spent over 20 years building a career focused on advising and defending organizations, ranging from government entities to Fortune 500 corporations. My journey started in private practice, where I worked for 13 years as an Associate Attorney at various Atlanta law firms. I specialized in complex litigation and high-stakes matters, which gave me a strong foundation in managing critical issues.
In 2015, I transitioned into an in-house counsel role, which was a pivotal step in my career. I quickly learned the importance of staying calm under pressure as I worked through significant challenges, including high-profile incidents and complex government investigations. Over the years, I advanced to a senior leadership position in the legal department, guiding the organization through crises while collaborating closely with teams in the field. These experiences helped me build trust and respect across the company.
Later, I was asked to create a Public Affairs function from the ground up. This was a rewarding opportunity to build relationships within the communities we served. I oversaw a charitable contributions program, which distributed $1 million annually, and worked directly with non-profits and community leaders to create meaningful support strategies. It was gratifying to lead efforts that combined corporate responsibility with community impact.
Today, I’m honored to serve as the CEO of InCommunity, a non-profit organization with a 45-year legacy of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role allows me to use my legal, strategic, and leadership skills to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Outside of work, I live in Buckhead with my husband and children. I love traveling with my family, especially to the beach, cooking, and giving back to my community through volunteer work. Our family is also active at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. My journey has been shaped by the challenges I’ve faced and the people I’ve had the privilege to work with, and I’m excited to continue making an impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In August 2024, I was asked by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of InCommunity to take on the role of CEO of the organization. This opportunity truly found me, and I felt called to accept it. Among the challenges I faced were that I was the second CEO in as many years (and most of the executive leadership team had turned over in the prior year), and as my tenure began, the organization launched a restructuring project. Many employees were uncertain about the future of the organization. Also, donor and community support was low. I had to leverage my strong communications and crisis management skills—developed over a career as a litigator and in public affairs—as well as my warm but strong leadership style to bring calm to the organization, as well as to energize employees and donors. I began by visiting several of our facilities, where I informally chatted with employees and learned—first hand—more about our operations and the challenges that our team faces. I wanted them to get to know me on a personal level so that they understood who I am as a person and my dedication to the organization. I also reintroduced employee meetings and celebrations, which had been paused since COVID, to provide employees the opportunity to socialize and to hear from leaders about important issues facing the organization. I also met with donors, community partners, regulators and parents, to share with them my vision for InCommunity and explain that our restructuring efforts were aimed at ensuring that the organization has strong, sustainable foundations, so that we are able to support the IDD community for many years to come. These efforts have helped to stabilize the organization, galvanize the employee base and broaden our community impact.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
InCommunity is a non-profit organization based in Atlanta with a 45-year legacy of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At our core, we’re dedicated to empowering people to live meaningful, fulfilling lives by providing a range of services tailored to their unique needs. Our offerings include residential services, community engagement opportunities, employment support, and family resources—all aimed at fostering independence and inclusion.
What sets us apart is our holistic, person-centered approach. We don’t just provide services; we focus on building relationships and truly understanding the goals and aspirations of the individuals we serve. Our team is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment that not only meets needs but also inspires confidence and growth.
I’m incredibly proud of our legacy and the trust that families and individuals have placed in us over the years. We are known for our unwavering dedication to quality care, and we continuously innovate to ensure we’re meeting the evolving needs of our community. For example, our employment support programs help individuals find meaningful work, while our residential services are designed to feel like home, offering stability and comfort.
What I want readers to know about InCommunity is that we’re more than a service provider—we’re a partner in creating opportunities and enriching lives. Whether you’re looking for support for a loved one, want to get involved as a volunteer, or are considering ways to support our mission, there’s a place for you here. We’re proud to stand as a trusted resource in the community and are always looking for ways to collaborate and grow together.
What were you like growing up?
I was raised in a small town in middle Tennessee, where my family has lived for generations. I am one of five children (second oldest), so family and community are very important. Both of my parents volunteered with different community groups and set an example for my siblings and me of serving others. I’ve always been independent and a self-professed “nerd” who loves to learn. I really wanted to strike out on my own, and that’s what led me to going to college at William and Mary, although it was very far from home, and at that point in time, cell phones and email were not common. I also love the arts; I was a dancer and a singer from elementary school until my sophomore year of college. My faith has always been very important to me, too. I am a “born and raised” Methodist, and I spent a lot of time in my small church, especially during my middle school and high school years, which I think helped keep me grounded.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.incommunityga.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/incommunityga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/incommunityga
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/incommunity-ga/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/InCommunityGA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFjKPkrfq_ODEnOk4Y0Z2tg
