Chris Merker is a longtime Wauwatosa resident and parent committed to strengthening Wauwatosa public schools through transparent governance, responsible financial stewardship, and respectful leadership. He brings over 15 years of experience teaching at the college level and leading Marquette University’s S-Lab, where he serves as Executive-in-Residence and Co-Director.

Professionally, Chris is the Director of Private Asset Management at Baird and publishes the blog Sustainable Finance. He is the co-author of The Trustee Governance Guide: The Five Imperatives of 21st Century Investing. His Ph.D. research focused on board governance of non-profits and corporations, including school district boards, and his work has centered on how strong oversight, ethical leadership, and clear decision-making create resilient institutions over time.

Chris is also Board Chair of Water + Energy Forward, Inc., a nonprofit focused on decarbonization and water stewardship. A product of the Wauwatosa School District, he attended Lincoln Elementary, Longfellow Middle School, and Wauwatosa East High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, his MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and his Ph.D. from Marquette University.

Chris has lived in Wauwatosa for 20+ years with his wife and two daughters and remains actively involved as a parent and community member.