Jerrie E. Merritt is senior vice president, community development at Bank of Nevada. Her banking career spans 40 years, allowing her to work with a diverse group of business clients and community and nonprofit groups whose goals are to improve the local community.
Jerrie’s responsibilities include coordinating all community development initiatives and working as an intermediary with state and local agencies and other groups involved in the community and economic development programs and projects. Merritt aims to create and expand existing client relationships and build strong community partnerships.
She has received recognition for her performance, skillful leadership and exceptional contributions to the financial arena. A solid champion of education, Jerrie served on the UNLV Libraries Advisory board and the Communities in Schools board of directors and also volunteered as a student mentor with the Clark County School District.
Jerrie is the board chairperson of Workforce Connections and president of the Hannah Brown Community Development Corporation. Additionally, she is a board member of the Nevada Small Business Development Center, The Governor’s Workforce Development Board, United Way of Southern Nevada, Help of Southern Nevada, Valley Hospital Medical Center and DreamSpring Community Development Financial Institution, Inc.
Her past leadership positions include board presidencies of the Rape Crisis Center and Urban Financial Services Coalition. She was also board chair of HELP of Southern Nevada and the Urban Chamber of Commerce. Jerrie is passionately involved with many other philanthropic and civic organizations.
In 2021, Merritt received the Trailblazer Award presented by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Las Vegas Chapter. Her previous recognitions include a Women of Distinction Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners - Southern Nevada (NAWBO). She was also recognized as an Interesting Personality in Who’s Who In Black Las Vegas™️ and honored with a Women to Watch Award from Vegas INC. Merritt was included in the My Vegas Magazine’s Top 100 Women of Influence and received the Silver State Award for Female Executive of the Year.
Jerrie has been married for 50 years and has one son.
About Us
Bank of Nevada
Bank of Nevada, a division of Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, delivers relationship banking that puts clients at the center of everything. Founded in 1994, Bank of Nevada offers a full spectrum of tailored commercial banking solutions delivered with outstanding service. With offices in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Mesquite, Bank of Nevada is part of Western Alliance Bancorporation, which has more than $70 billion in assets. Major accolades include being ranked as a top U.S. bank in 2023 by American Banker and Bank Director. As a regional bank with significant national capabilities, Bank of Nevada delivers the reach, resources and local market expertise that make a difference for customers.
