Kili Class
2023 Conquering Kili Class
Role
Clean Water Advocate
Location
Charlottesville, VA
Blair is a serial entrepreneur, having started and sold several successful businesses in a diverse group of industries from technology to publishing to medical devices. In the mid-90s, Blair was involved in the launch of Virginia’s first internet service provider. After opening multiple offices and several acquisitions, the business was sold to a publicly traded telecommunications company. Following this, Blair served as the CEO of several technology and medical device related companies.
His latest role is leading Commonwise Home Care, a non-medical homecare company that allows individuals to age-in-place in their homes, rather than move to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Blair is also a co-owner of C-Ville Weekly – a weekly newspaper based in Charlottesville, VA.
Blair has been an active angel investor and serves as an advisor and board member of several other businesses. He has also been active in the non-profit world, and is a past chair and current executive board member of the Charlottesville Albemarle United Way.
Blair holds degrees in Economics and Psychology from the University of Virginia. He and his wife Laurie, another UVA grad, have two teenage boys. A licensed pilot, his other hobbies include skiing, running, biking, and playing polo.
Each new Conquering Kili class accepts the challenge to embark for the summit, a walk that represents the miles that many African women journey on a daily basis to fetch water for their families. While training for the climb, each team member works to raise funds and transform communities through the gift of clean water.