Roger Blake is the President and CEO of Merit Network, Inc., a non-profit corporation governed by Michigan’s public universities. Mr. Blake joined Merit after a distinguished career in industry, including leadership roles at a global network service provider and work with a global cybersecurity technology innovator. Additionally, he has served 18 years as an elected public servant on his local community K12 school board. His experience in infrastructure and public service has resulted in appointments by two Michigan governors to statewide planning and advocacy roles. Republican Governor Rick Snyder appointed Roger to a first-of-its-kind 21st Century Infrastructure Commission in 2016 charged with developing a 50-year vision for coordinated investments to improve the state’s transportation, water, energy, and network infrastructure while enhancing the quality of life for all Michiganders and in 2024, democrat Governor Grechen Whitmer appointed Roger to the Michigan Infrastructure Council which builds on the commission’s vision.