Mr. Blenker brings decades of overseas grassroots development and non-profit experience as well as private sector skills. Since 2000, he has worked as a renewable energy executive, bringing clean energy to markets around the world. His previous experience includes nearly 14 years as senior international staff for the US Peace Corps, as well as overseas stints as a journalist. He has lived in nine countries, worked in 23, and visited more than 100.

Blenker’s interests in palms stems from their importance as “charismatic key indicator species” for threatened habitats around the world. Some of the most interesting species come from some of the most diverse and fragile micro-habitats and serve as reminders that our world is varied and perishable and that we must be leaders in preserving its rich diversity.

His involvement with the IPS dates to before his first biennial in Rio in 2010. Since then, he has participated in the biennials in Thailand/Vietnam, Miami/Cuba, and a mid-term in Madagascar. In addition, he is an active member of the Central Florida Palm and Cycad Society.

Born in Wisconsin, and raised in the mid-West, he call the west coast of Florida home, although he divides his time between Florida, Grenada, Jamaica, and Latin America. Mr. Blenker is past chair and continues as a director of the Caribbean Student Environmental Alliance. He speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

He holds a BS in Wildlife Management/Natural Resources Administration from The Ohio State University where he won the Konrad Lorenz Award for outstanding ethological studies. He also holds an MAIA in International Administration and Development Economics from Ohio University.