Dr. Jim Merkel

Born in Palmerton, Pennsylvania on June 27, 1940.   Currently live on a farm in Walkersville with wife Monica where they have and had the pleasure of raising their nine children, five boys and four girls.  All of the boys have their Dad’s initials, JAM and all of the girls have my wife’s initials, MTM.  We thought if we could ever afford monogrammed hankercheifs, we could share them. 1962    Received B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Penn State University;1965    Received M.S. in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University;1966    Received Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University;1979    Received MBA in Business Administration for  University of Maryland;From 1967 through 1969, served in the US Military as a Captain in Artillery Branch. From 1969 through 1978, taught at the University of Maryland in the College of Engineering as a tenured professor.  While at the University, published two text books, entitled:Basic Engineering Principles,  AVI Publishing Co., Westport, CT. 1975        Managing Livestock Wastes, AVI Publishing Co.,  Westport, CT.  1981From 1979 through 1983, worked for The Re-enforced Earth Co., an International Engineering Company that constructed a patented retaining wall around the globe.  Served as Director of Research and Development. From 1984 to present, Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch working with business and high net worth individuals.

1989.    Founded the Friends of Catholic Education, a 501c(3) corporation, dedicated to providing financial assistance to parents in Frederick County who seek a private religious education for their children.  Served as President for 10 years and during that time raised an Endowment worth $2 million;1992.    Founded the Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County, a 501c(3) corporation committed to recognizing, facilitating and supporting entrepreneurship in Frederick County.  Served as its president for six years and remain a member of the board; 1999.    Founded St. Thomas More Academy, an independent Catholic School that has Grown from four student in 2000 to 155 for the school year of 2006.  Currently completed a brand new facility located on Rte 85, north of Buckeystown. Awards Received: 1967    Army Commendation Medal; 2001    Distinguished Alumni Award-Leadership Frederick County; 2001    McElroy Award-Friends of Catholic Education;2002    James W. Houck, 4-Way Test Rotary Award