Kerilyn Merritt

Director of Marketing & Communications

Kerilyn Merritt is a strategic communications professional with more than 20 years of experience spanning integrated marketing communications, public relations, national and international business development and nonprofit leadership. Her career bridges the corporate, higher education and nonprofit sectors, bringing a relationship-centered approach that helps organizations build trust, strengthen partnerships and connect people to purpose.

A proud graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Kerilyn earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a concentration in Integrated Marketing Communications/Advertising and a minor in Black American Studies.

Earlier in her career, Kerilyn worked in broadcasting, advertising and business development. She served as a National Public Radio (NPR) news announcer, worked in cable television advertising operations and began her business development career in radio advertising sales. She later spent nearly two decades leading national and international business development initiatives, partnering with architects, designers, builders, distributors and manufacturers throughout North America. During that time, she led marketing initiatives, represented her organization at more than 100 national and international trade shows, and built lasting client relationships through strategic communication, brand representation and trusted partnership.

In her professional role as Marketing & Communications Specialist with the College of Lake County Foundation, Kerilyn leads strategic communications initiatives that support donor engagement, educational access, community partnerships and institutional storytelling. Her work includes integrated marketing campaigns, digital communications, fundraising communications, media relations and content strategy that advance the Foundation’s mission and strengthen its impact throughout the community.

As Director of Marketing & Communications and a member of the Board of Directors for The Finer Alliance, Inc., Kerilyn leads the organization’s communications strategy, develops executive messaging on behalf of its leadership, and helps advance its philanthropic mission through strategic storytelling, public relations and community engagement. She previously served as Secretary of The Finer Alliance, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to the organization’s mission and a progression of leadership in service to its members and community. Guided by a belief in lifelong learning, she actively pursues professional development through board service, leadership opportunities and continuing education. She currently serves as an elected member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District V Cabinet and holds Board Certification through the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB).

An active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Tau Xi Zeta Chapter, Kerilyn has served in several leadership roles, including Chapter Editor, Public Relations Co-Chair, Chapter Chaplain and Military & Veteran Appreciation Coordinator. Her service has been recognized with the Rising Star Award, Light of Zeta Award and Zeta of the Year Award.

Through both her professional career and volunteer leadership, Kerilyn remains committed to using strategic communications to strengthen organizations, empower communities and create meaningful opportunities for others.