In her role as Prospect Development Manager, Merissa helps inform the fundraising team, matching donors with the initiatives that matter most to them.
She joined NPCA in 2025, after spending over two decades leading the prospect development teams at Elon University and Middlebury College. She has also served on the board of her regional professional organization since 2015, including an extended term as President.
Merissa earned her BA in English from the University of New Hampshire and her MLS from Southern Connecticut State University; she also holds a professional certificate in editing from UC Berkeley.
Merissa’s passion for the outdoors grew after moving to New Hampshire for college. Since then she has explored many state and national parks through hiking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. She currently lives with her partner and their cat in Durham, North Carolina, and she is often found enjoying the outdoors through distance running.