About Merkle

Merkle Cherry is an accomplished executive leader whose management philosophy, discipline, and effective leadership style have been shaped during a varied career that spans 31 years.

 

Currently, Merkle is the chief operating officer at the health and wellness nonprofit organization Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJA), an essential provider of critical health care services in Trenton and other communities.

 

Merkle has also worked for American Express, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo and Trenton municipal government, where he served as public works director. Merkle's experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors has given him a unique perspective on connecting people with vital resources, often under challenging conditions.

 

A resident of Trenton for 43 years, Merkle was born in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in Selma by his hardworking parents and grandmothers—role models who taught him to lead with a solid moral compass and focus on helping others. Blessed with two successful children living robust adult lives, Merkle resides on Second Street in the North Ward with his wife, Juanita.