Merrow named Women’s Policy Institute director

Katherine Merrow will become the first executive director of the New Hampshire Women’s Policy Institute at the start of October, the organization announced.

Merrow currently works at the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies, where she is a senior research associate currently focusing on projects related to alcohol and drug abuse, crime and treatment and faith-based social services.

Merrow also has worked with Rhode Island’s Division of Mental Health, and was a budget analyst for the Massachusetts legislature.

“Merrow is an experienced research professional who can lead our organization at its formative stage,” said Jennifer Frizzell, chairman of the institute and head of the organization’s search committee. “Her expertise in policy, and her relationships with state officials and community leaders are an ideal match to help us fulfill our mission to generate research and shape public policy as it relates to women in New Hampshire.”

Merrow said she looked forward “to working with business leaders and policymakers to improve the well-being of New Hampshire’s women and to support the contributions they make to our economy and our communities,” said Merrow.

Merrow lives with her husband and three sons in Hopkinton where she is active in numerous youth-related community efforts. – TRACIE STONE