Leadership Announcement

Dear MESD Community,

We are excited to announce that Lisa Merrick will join Multnomah Education Service District (MESD). Lisa has been an invaluable leader, serving as the Government Relations Senior Manager at Portland Public Schools, where her dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the success and well-being of students.

This fall, Lisa will assume the position of Senior Program Administrator, Government Affairs. In this role, Lisa will focus on monitoring legislation at the local, state, and federal levels. Additionally, she will prioritize:

• Analyzing how proposed or enacted laws affect MESD and the East County Districts.
• Developing policy positions aligned with the East County Districts’ missions.
• Advocating for or against specific policies through testimony, briefings, and direct engagement with lawmakers.

About Lisa Merrick

Lisa brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of education, policy, and public service. Most recently, she served as Senior Manager of Government Relations for Portland Public Schools, where she led intergovernmental coordination, legislative strategy, and cross-agency initiatives to improve student safety and access. She has also played a key role in shaping state and local policy through her previous work with the Oregon State Legislature.

Lisa’s academic background reflects a deep and sustained commitment to education, equity, and leadership. She earned a Master of Arts in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, where her studies focused on education finance, data analysis, and the role of government in schools. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Educational Studies from Bryn Mawr College, including international study in Denmark focused on comparative education systems.

In addition to her policy and legislative work, Lisa brings firsthand classroom and school-based experience, having taught both in the U.S. and abroad. This combination of classroom, policy, and leadership experience uniquely positions her to guide MESD (including all the East County districts) government affairs efforts and support strategic collaboration with state and local policymakers, education leaders, and community partners. Her commitment to student success, combined with her strong analytical, policy, and relationship-building skills, will be instrumental in advancing MESD’s mission.

In her free time, Lisa enjoys staying active and connected to nature through hikes and races in Oregon’s scenic landscapes. She finds balance through reading, international travel, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is also proud to serve as a big sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters, and especially enjoys watching Timbers and Thorns games with her little sister.

Please join me in welcoming Lisa Merrick to MESD!

Sincerely,
Dr. Paul E. Coakley
Superintendent, Multnomah Education Service District