Austin J. Merritt serves as the Director of Development for Jeremiah Program-Baltimore campus, where his passion for community development and philanthropy shines through his work. With over a decade of experience in community development finance, Austin has dedicated his career to building thriving communities and creating impactful financial tools to foster socioeconomic mobility.

Austin's pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement is evident in his completion of Change Management Certification from eCornell University in July 2023, and a Community Engagement: Collaborating for Change Certification from the University of Michigan, accomplished over 2020.

Throughout his illustrious career, Austin has achieved notable accomplishments, including being honored as a 2022 Baltimore Business Journal 40under40 Honoree and a 2022 Maryland Bankers Association Emerging Leaders Graduate. His leadership skills are further recognized through his former roles as Chair of Diversity and Inclusion Employee Resource Groups and his certification as a Certified Women's and Minority Business Advocate. Austin's commitment to community service is demonstrated by his active involvement in various boards and volunteer activities, including the Baltimore City Public School Advisory Council, iMentor Baltimore and the Community Assistance Network (CAN).

In closing, Austin Merritt stands out as a visionary leader and a committed advocate for community development. His strategic engagement, coupled with his ability to effectively bridge the gap between nonprofit and for-profit sectors, underscores his exceptional capability to drive change and impact communities positively.