Erin Harless

As Strategy Manager, Erin helps maximize the effectiveness and impact of Merit America’s Executive Team and the organization overall, with a focus on managing performance against organizational goals and overseeing select strategic projects. Prior to Merit America, Erin was the Senior Manager of Research and Learning at NewSchools Venture Fund, where she drove continuous improvement through rigorous impact measurement and data-driven decision making. Erin also worked as a Senior Research Analyst for SRI International’s Center for Education Policy, managing evaluations of educational initiatives to improve teaching quality and student outcomes. Erin started her career as a small-group instructor at an elementary charter school in Boston, Massachusetts.

Erin is a proud Board Member of the PLUS ME Project. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son, and enjoys hiking, traveling, and cheering for the Lakers in her free time.

In her spare time, you’ll find Erica at the gym, exploring Northern California with her fiancé, playing with her pug, or catching up with friends and family.