Scott Merrow Email & Phone Number

Portland, Me, Us

Clintonville, Wisconsin, Us

Lincolndale, Ny, Us

For this nonprofit organization founded in 1863 and dedicated to helping underserved youth and their families achieve academic, behavioral, and career goals, I provide visionary and strategic leadership for all operations including leadership of 250+ multidisciplinary staff spanning residential services and youth care, mental health clinicians and therapists, education administrators and teachers, recreation and sports, facilities maintenance, health services, food services, security, and more on this 454-acre property with athletic fields and 28 buildings. Other key responsibilities include serving as liaison to the Board of Directors and overseeing board development, budget management, strategic planning, community and public relations, fundraising, strategic alliances and partnerships, and capital improvement planning. Key populations served by Lincoln Hall include boys aged 12-18 referred for delinquent offenses through New York state’s juvenile justice system or through the federal grant-funded Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).KEY CONTRIBUTIONS✔ Within just a few months of hire was faced with challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigated successfully through initial and subsequent (ongoing) virus surges, demonstrating ability to pivot quickly in a crisis. Implemented new health and safety protocols/policies, led through quarantines, retained 100% of grant funding, and handled public relations. ✔ Orchestrated first formal strategic planning in 15 years, establishing a visionary pathway and plan to refocus Lincoln Hall on its core mission, identify and cultivate new public and private partners, bring in new sources of revenue, rejuvenate educational programming, and modernize and upgrade facilities. Updated mission, vision, values, and organizational by-laws. ✔ Achieved accreditation for Lincoln Hall by the Council on Accreditation, an 18-month effort.

Chicago, Il, Us

Initially brought on as a consultant for this nonprofit child development organization, I was hired as Senior Vice President in charge of Program Development & Operations in 2013, providing executive oversight for all aspects of program and operations for 8 youth centers, 14 partner sites, and a 200-acre summer camp and retreat center. I was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2015.During my tenure, I’ve earned recognition for completely reinventing the organization, transforming it into a highly visible, fiscally responsible enterprise with top-tier programming delivered by engaged staff in a positive, service-oriented work culture. KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:✔ Re-imagined long-standing program to drive increased revenue. Managed debt, right-sized operations, and expanded fundraising and grants, securing additional funding from various sources and increasing participation from existing donors.✔ Established clear direction, clarified the mission, and instilled accountability. Designed and implemented new program goals, plans, and outcome measures.✔ Elevated stature of organization in the community, presenting a clearly articulated vision for programs, outcomes, and impact. Represented the face of the organization to forge community partnerships. Earned invitation to participate in Chicago Benchmarking Collaborative and “Partnership in 21st Century Learning.”✔ Created a new revenue stream, developing a summer enrichment program and boosting enrollment 50% over 3 years. Implemented programs to foster both experiential, project-based learning and social-emotional well-being through child development and family engagement.✔ Balanced budget, wiping out 6-figure deficit and halting 7-year downslide. Ignited 30% YOY growth over tenure and improved enrollment, attendance rates, and retention.✔ Serve on multiple standing committees and task forces, focusing on programs, finance, audit, and risk. Staff representative on internal investment committee.

I joined the staff of this year-round, 60-building camp and retreat center to reinvigorate the organization. In addition to reversing long-standing losses and upgrading facilities to improve safety and functionality, I instilled a positive, high-energy culture with an emphasis on providing top-tier service. My role included preparation of annual budgets, monthly revenue reports, sales projections, marketing plans, and strategic plans. I also managed all activities relating to sales, recruiting, community relations, new program development, risk management, accounting, payroll, donor development, maintenance, and new construction.KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:✔ Grew revenue 20% by increasing fundraising and year-round attendance at programs and special events. Restored earnings, reversing 15 years of losses by expanding revenue streams and managing costs. Introduced audits and accounting best practices to improve fiscal responsibility.✔ Provided executive oversight for programs such as therapeutic horse program, serving youth and adults, including those with disabilities. ✔ Enhanced camp visibility by developing new website, creating camp marketing materials, teaming with camper recruitment services and offering programs for local campers.

In this role leading key efforts to preserve and revitalize the historic Ossipee Main Street district, I oversaw economic development, design, promotions, and events.KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:✔ Hosted Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” program and increased visibility and participation in economic fair and weekly farmer’s market. Expanded 5K road race and created successful new fundraisers, including cooking competition and $25,000 Rubber Duck Race.✔ Worked closely with municipal leaders, garnering financial support for program though warrant article vote and collaborating on strategic plan development with Selectmen and Town Administrator.✔ Crafted budgets and successfully applied for grants to secure funding from organizations such as the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority.

Wilmot, New Hampshire, Us

Serving in a key role on an emergency response team to restore camp facilities following a fire, I led operations across 40+ buildings on 180+ acres, overseeing food service, medical, housekeeping, and transportation.KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:✔ Served 200 staff 3 meals per day, overcoming hurdles to expand capacity to 1,500 meals per day in less than 3 weeks. Established emergency kitchen and services, hired staff and restored utilities.✔ Replaced equipment and supplies to ensure quality service by opening day. Assessed needs across 20 program areas, capitalizing on existing supplier relationships to meet tight time constraints.✔ Accommodated 1,000 visitors in 1 day, expertly planning, coordinating, and adjusting operations and logistics.

Achieving consistent and aggressive sales growth for 2 consecutive years despite a weak market, I was recognized as the top-ranked realtor in my region during the 2nd quarter of 2008 (#2 overall in the state of New Hampshire).

Hired to revitalize this 300-acre camp affiliated with the national Marist Brothers organization, I reversed 2 years of significant losses and upgraded outdated and unsafe facilities. In a role reporting directly to the board of directors, I developed strategic plans, led sales efforts, bolstered community and donor relations, and oversaw maintenance and construction for more than 30 buildings.KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:✔ Grew revenue from $600,000 to $1.1 million and increased off-season enrollment by launching local events and youth retreat groups.✔ Drove $150,000 in donations through planned giving activities and requests to support specific capital improvements. Organized volunteer work-weekend events to engage supporters.✔ Bolstered board of directors, recruiting new members and establishing direction and mission statement. Introduced annual audit to ensure fiscal responsibility.✔ Cut operating costs by hiring food-service director, forming purchasing group with local camps, and doing legwork to earn food and milk reimbursements from the state and federal governments.

Wilmot, New Hampshire, Us

Freedom, Nh, Us