Layla Merrifield Email & Phone Number

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

The Community College Association Executives is comprised of the executive directors of community and technical college state associations and includes approximately 25 active members. The organization exists under the umbrella of ACCT and is also affiliated with AACC. www.cc-ae.org

Madison, Wisconsin Area

I lead transformative efforts to advocate for crucial funding initiatives and policy changes, driving impact and advancing the interests of our organization. Leading the 16 colleges' advocacy efforts, I secured additional state funding for institutional support to technical colleges in each of the past three state biennial budget cycles--a first for the Wisconsin Technical College System. Most recently, I played a pivotal role in a two-year-long campaign to secure funding for an oral health grant tailored to technical colleges. Central to this initiative was the strategic cultivation of coalitions, where I fostered partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including legislators, community health leaders, and industry experts. Through relentless advocacy and persuasive communication, I designed a tiered funding distribution mechanism to bolster dental workforce development throughout the state, while improving community health outcomes in workforce shortage areas. Throughout these endeavors, my strategic leadership, advocacy skills, and ability to build consensus proved instrumental in achieving our goals. By leveraging relationships, expertise, and a relentless commitment to our mission, I have successfully navigated the intricacies of the legislative process to secure meaningful victories for Wisconsin's technical colleges and the communities we serve.

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

As a Policy Advisor with government affairs responsibilities, I continuously monitored policy developments, conducted in-depth policy analysis, and provided strategic guidance to senior leadership for impactful policy changes, leveraging my expertise to design a first-of-its-kind, equitable and sustainable outcomes based funding formula for state aid to technical colleges. Coordinated legislative communications in the creation of a state-funded emergency financial assistance grant to support 2-year college students' basic needs. Collaborating closely with stakeholders, I navigated complex legislative landscapes to champion the Wisconsin Technical College System state budget request. Liaison to Wisconsin Student Government, providing policy expertise to create and advocate for state funding for need-based financial aid.

As an experienced fiscal analyst with the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, I played a critical role in analyzing and shaping fiscal policy related to K-12 and postsecondary education funding in Wisconsin. I conducted in-depth research, provided expert analysis, and offered strategic recommendations to policymakers on matters pertaining to K-12 education, technical college finance, state general fund cashflow.