Being with the bank since its infancy, Merkel has worked in various roles, each allowing her to take the skills she has acquired and do what she loves the most – helping central Indiana communities. Because of this, Merkel is most excited about Ivy Tech Indianapolis' unique position to propel not only central Indiana forward but the entire state. “This is a very exciting time to be involved with the campus,” Merkel started. “Campus leadership, faculty, and staff all have a really critical opportunity to help move our state into the future,” she said. “ We’re in a unique position to be able to lead in education and post-secondary education. And I’m very excited to use those relationships that I’ve built over the years in the community to help support the campus in building relationships and partnerships as well.” Soon, the couple couldn’t help but become more involved. Merkel joined the Circle of Ivy, a women's philanthropy group that creates resources and raises funds to diminish barriers to higher education for Ivy Tech students. The pair then started getting involved with special projects and funding scholarships for Ivy Tech’s Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP).
“It's been very exciting for us and very fulfilling to be able to engage with a different type of giving. It's not just one option. Ivy Tech offers donors and potential donors a lot of ways to connect and support the programs there at the College,” Merkel said. “I think it’s a more impactful way to share.” As The National Bank of Indianapolis’ Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, with a nearly 30-year-long tenure with the institution, Merkel says she has had a plethora of experiences.
“ T he p a rtn e rs hi ps t ha t a r e bei n g de v e lop ed be t w ee n I vy T ech ' s I n dia n a pol i s ca mpus a n d e mplo y e rs i n our a r ea , a s w e ll a s ot he r cha r i t ab l e or ga n i z a t i ons … a r e g o i n g to be k e y to our abi l i t y to not onl y ed u ca t e b ut pro v ide t he t y p e o f support i v e e n v i ronm e nt t ha t w i ll m a k e our stu de nts su cce ss f ul .”
SUMMER 2023 | 19
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker