Cornelius Blanding began his career in development work as an economic development intern for the City of Miami Beach. Since then, he has gained a broad experience base spanning rural, international and cooperative economic development.
His experiences include business and project development, management and marketing. He has worked as a small business development and management consultant, manager of a multi-million-dollar revolving loan fund, domestic and international project director, Director of Field Operations & Special Projects, Deputy Director and, currently, Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund.
Cornelius has also served and continues to serve on various boards and committees, including NCBA CLUSA, Agricultural Safety & Health Council of America, Southeast Climate Consortium and the Presbyterian Committee on the Self Development of People.