Olin alumnus Joe Blomker to be honored as 2023 Dean’s Medalist

Olin will honor Joe Blomker, founder and CEO of Maryville Consulting Group, on Friday, April 21, as the 2023 Dean’s Medalist.

The Dean’s Medal is a WashU Olin Business School tradition that honors friends of Olin who have contributed valuable time, service and dedication to the school. Blomker, EMBA 1990, will be recognized for his dedication to advancing not only Washington University and Olin, but also for advancing the St. Louis community.

He has served as the CEO and president since founding Maryville Consulting Group in 1994.  Maryville Consulting Group is a Fortune 2000 consulting firm that helps companies transform into technology-enabled businesses.  Blomker’s career also includes leadership roles at Digital Equipment Corp., AT&T, Southwestern Bell, Stout Industries and McDonald’s.

“At Olin, we know our purpose,” said Olin Interim Dean Anjan Thakor. “We exist to discover knowledge, enrich people and advance business to change the world, for good. And as I review Joe’s accomplishments, as I reflect on the many ways he has touched our community, served in leadership and engaged with our students—well, I know he is helping us fully live in our purpose.”

Blomker has served on WashU’s Technology Advisory Committee and on the National Council of the Olin Business School.  He led the search committees for Olin’s corporate relations leader, marketing leader and technology leader. He has been an orientation and commencement speaker for Olin’s EMBA program. Blomker enjoys frequent interaction with Olin students, faculty and staff and has engaged students in practicum courses, internships and as a mentor. Olin recognized him as a Distinguished Alumni in 2002.

‘Remaining involved is very important to Joe’

Blomker has been a member of the Regional Business Council of St. Louis since its inception in 2000. He serves as chair of the Higher Education Collaboration Committee, chair of the K-12 Education Committee and as a member of the Workforce Development and Public Policy committees. He was founding chair of St. Louis Social Venture Partners. Blomker also served on the Board of Trustees at MICDS, where he chaired the Education Policy Committee.

Blomker initially engaged with St. Louis’ Premier Charter School in 2006 as a community adviser when he learned the school was struggling financially. The school’s emphasis on character as the foundation for effective academic learning and the school’s diversity intrigued him. He was elected to the board in 2007 and has served as board chair since 2008. This fact exemplifies the school’s academic success: In a typical school year, selective high schools in the metro area accept more than 80% of the school’s eighth-grade graduates. Since 2008, the school has consistently operated with an annual surplus while relying strictly on its public funding. It has grown to a 23-acre campus.

“It has become clear to me that remaining involved is very important to Joe,” Thakor said. “He is energized and passionate about supporting students in their academic journey and beyond.”

Blomker earned his BSBA at the University of Missouri in St. Louis and EMBA at WashU Olin. He and his wife, Kim, have two sons, Joey and Jeff. Joey is also a WashU alum; he obtained his BSBA from Olin in 2009.