The Collaboratory was founded by Janet Hammer, PhD — a leader and team player who helps organizations and communities envision and create better futures. The following shares a bit about my background and approach.

Where It Began 

I’m naturally wired as a pragmatic systems thinker and collaborator, committed to serving people and planet. These qualities led me to study planning, policy, transformational learning, community development, and multi-stakeholder collaboration — earning degrees from UC Davis, the University of Pennsylvania, and Portland State University.

Clients & Contributions

For more than two decades, I have partnered with public, private, nonprofit, academic, and philanthropic organizations — across urban, suburban, and rural settings — to advance community flourishing. This includes work on issues such as climate action, economic development, conservation, and regional food systems. 

Drawing on my multi-disciplinary and cross-sector background, I help groups understand context, hone strategy, and amplify impact. I bring particular expertise in cross-sector collaboration and impact at the intersection of environmental, economic, and social well-being. In addition to supporting on-the-ground initiatives, I’ve contributed to broader field-building that has helped shape both theory and practice.

How I Work

Many clients come to me through referrals. People value my big-picture perspective paired with attention to detail, my clear communication and reliable follow-through, and my commitment to their success. I genuinely love helping groups advance their important work, tailoring my approach to their goals and context.

I work on projects small and large, including with teams distributed across organizations and time zones. Depending on what’s needed, I draw on my network of talented professionals to assemble the right team for the project.

Let’s Connect

Check out past projects and client testimonials, and reach out to explore how The Collaboratory can support your important work. 

Collaboration — it's how we do business.