As Director, Grants Administration, Emerson Merkerson is responsible for supervising grant processing and compliance in accordance with the approved policies of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. A native of Detroit, Michigan, he lives by Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

A lawyer and certified public accountant, Merkerson holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Michigan (U-M), a master’s degree in taxation from Wayne State University in Detroit and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University. Prior to joining Mott, he was chief financial officer at The Seligman Group in Southfield, Michigan. He is married with two daughters, enjoys rooting for U-M sports teams and is active in his church, community and fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi.