Larry Merrill

G. Lawrence “Larry” Merrill has advised governmental and not-for-profit entities for over 40 years as well as taught countless seminars on achieving governance excellence while serving as Executive Director of the Michigan Townships Association from 2000-2019 and while serving as MTA’s Deputy Executive Director and Director of Education for twenty years prior to being appointed CEO. Since retiring Larry is co-director of Public Policy Associates’ Center for Local Solutions, a national research and consulting firm located in Lansing applying public policy analysis and organization development expertise to trade, professional, and philanthropic and public sector organizations.

Larry has served on many governing boards, including President of the Grand Ledge Public Schools Board of Education, the Lansing Board of Water and Light, Mid-Michigan Spartans, Grand Ledge Education Foundation Vice President, National Assocation of Towns and Townships, National Center for Small Communities, DeWitt Township Planning Commission, and also served as a county administrator, emergency medical services director and emergency manager.

Larry holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in multi-disciplinary social science focusing on political science and economics and a Master of Public Administration degree also from MSU focusing on public policy analysis and program evaluation.

He is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), received MSAE’s Strategic Leader Award, and was elected to the Michigan Association Executive Hall of Fame.