Mary Ellen joined Merchant McIntyre Associates to help nonprofit institutions and local governments make a transformative difference in their communities.
Prior to joining Merchant McIntyre, Mary Ellen worked for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), where she specialized in federal advocacy efforts, specifically S.B. 2020 “Secure Notarization,” and Congressional engagement strategies.
Mary Ellen has extensive experience in education, healthcare, social service, fiscal, and Appalachian/rural needs policies.
Upon coming to Washington, D.C., Mary Ellen became a licensed educator, teaching students in grades 1stthrough 3rd. Education strengthened her passion for advocacy and public policy and encouraged Mary Ellen to pursue a government relations career.
“It’s been said that ‘many people have the will to win, but few people have the will to prepare to win.’ We knew Mary Ellen had the will to prepare to win, especially given her experience performing music and teaching in the classroom. So much about winning federal funding involves extensive preparation.”
Outside the office, Mary Ellen works on local political campaigns, performs the oboe, walks her mini-goldendoodle (Basil), learns new recipes, and enjoys her wine club.
Expertise:
- Policy Analysis and Advocacy
- Education
- Local Government
- Financial Services
- Social Services
- Congressionally Directed Spending
Education:
- B.S., Radford University (Music Performance, Music Therapy)
- M.A./M.P.P., American University (Education Policy and Leadership Studies, est. 2025)
