Merrie became involved in the the financial operations of the Stewarts’ farm property investments in Northern Kentucky while in high school. In college Merrie discovered the relatively new field of Urban Planning, which incorporated many areas of interest. As an Urban Planner, Merrie puts into practice her experience dealing with agencies, social structure, environment, design and the built environment. She has achieved and maintains her AICP certification, designated by the American Institute of Certified Planners.

While working in the private planning consulting sector, Merrie was involved with redevelopment projects such as the former Eastwood Village in Madisonville and the
Adam’s Landing residential development. While serving as Planning Consultant with Meisner + Associates, her work focused on land-use vision plans, including those for
the Union Centre Interchange in Butler County, Ohio; the Ohio 32 projects in Clermont County, Ohio; the Eastern Corridor Vision Project through Hamilton and Clermont Counties, Ohio; and the Union, Kentucky Town Plan in Boone County, Kentucky.

Because active community involvement and community service are part of her DNA, Merrie currently serves on the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission and on the Hamilton County Storm Water District – Oversight Board, as well as the boards of Mill Creek Alliance and the Amberley Village Environmental Stewardship Committee. She spent over 15 years on the Amberley Village Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals and served three terms on Amberley Village Council, having served also as Vice Mayor and Mayor. Merrie is a double-graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Design Architecture Art and Planning (DAAP), and holds degrees as Bachelor of Urban Planning and Master of Science in Architecture.