The Collaboratory, LLC 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.

Background 

I’m a pragmatic systems thinker and natural collaborator, with a deep commitment to serving people and planet. These qualities led me to studies in planning, policy, community development, transformational learning, and multi-stakeholder collaboration — earning degrees from UC Davis, the University of Pennsylvania, and Portland State University.

For more than two decades, I have partnered with public, private, nonprofit, academic, and philanthropic organizations — across urban, suburban, and rural settings. This includes work on issues such as climate, food systems, community and economic development, and conservation, as well as organizational development and capacity building (learn more). 

Drawing on my unique multi-disciplinary and cross-sector background, I navigate diverse perspectives and imperatives in ways that help groups productively bridge people, ideas, and resources. 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 have contributed to broader field-building — including toolkits, casebooks, and articles in such publications as Community Development Journal, The Journal of Planning Education and Research, and Economic Development Quarterly.

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.