Prior to Cornerstone, Merritt served as a Research Analyst in Higher Education at McAllister & Quinn, where she focused on higher education policy and federal funding strategy for colleges and universities across the country. In this role, she analyzed federal, state, and foundation funding trends, conducted organizational and grant assessments to align institutional priorities with potential funding opportunities and monitored legislative and policy developments impacting higher education institutions. Prior to joining McAllister & Quinn full-time, Merritt interned with the firm, supporting multiple practices.

Previously, Merritt served as a Legislative Intern in the Office of the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), where she researched and drafted policy memoranda, assisted with FY24 appropriations requests and supported constituent communications. She also worked with Team Graham as a Political Campaign Finance Intern during his 2026 campaign.

Merritt received a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Political Science and Psychology from the University of South Carolina. During her time at the university, she served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant and a Magellan Scholar.