M. Blair Thomas, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.P.A., is a Visiting Professor at the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management at the University of Oregon. His research interests broadly focus on citizen engagement and how local governments engage in branding from a strategic management perspective. His latest work explores issues at the intersection of race, protest, sport and public administration and the impact that athlete engagement has on citizen participation. His recent work appears in Administration & Society, Administrative Theory & Practice, American Review of Public Administration, International Journal of Public Administration, Journal of Public Affairs Education, Public Administration, Public Administration Review and Public Performance & Management Review.

A native of Beaverton, Ore., this life-long Ducks fan is often discussing the plight of his Boston Celtics or Chelsea FC squads, riffing about how to infuse the latest sport fashion trends into academia or his constant search for the perfect hazelnut latte. Dr. Thomas received his Ph.D. and M.P.A. from the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University and a M.P.H. from the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Portland.