Washington, D.C.— Merit America, a national workforce development nonprofit, has announced the promotion of Michael Gilchrist to Chief Program Officer (CPO).
Gilchrist previously served as the Managing Director of Program Strategy. In his new role, he will oversee Merit America’s Program, Coaching, Design & Innovation, and Operations functions, bringing deep experience in program strategy, workforce development, and mission-driven leadership to the role.
“Michael is an extraordinary leader whose vision, integrity, and deep program expertise have had a profound impact on Merit America,” said Anne Keenan, Managing Partner at Merit America. “His ability to pair operational excellence with compassion and to build systems that scale without losing sight of humanity is rare and exactly what this moment calls for. We are thrilled to welcome him into this critical executive role and onto the Operating Committee.”
Gilchrist’s career spans the education and workforce sectors. Before joining Merit America in 2022, he served as a Title I secondary school administrator in Washington, D.C., where he led schoolwide instructional improvement, postsecondary access efforts, and educator talent development for historically underserved communities. A first-generation college graduate, Gilchrist’s commitment to educational and economic mobility is deeply rooted in his own lived experience.
During his tenure at Merit America, Gilchrist has played a central role in strengthening the organization’s program model, integrating AI-enabled systems, expanding new career pathways, and building high-performing, mission-driven teams that support working adult learners from enrollment to positive career outcomes.
“Stepping into the Chief Program Officer role is energizing, and I’m genuinely excited for what’s ahead,” said Gilchrist. “My own life was shaped by access and opportunity, and that’s at the core of why I care so deeply about this work. I’m looking forward to strengthening the systems, coaching, and program design that enable learners to build real mobility and partnering with our incredible teams to deliver outcomes with consistency, excellence, equity, and humanity. It’s an honor to help lead this next chapter for Merit America.”
Gilchrist attended Old Dominion University and Western Governors University, where he completed his bachelor’s in Educational Studies and master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. He will begin a doctoral studies program in Spring 2026.
Outside of work, Gilchrist invests his time in coaching young professionals, supporting community initiatives, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
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About Merit America
Merit America is a national nonprofit preparing workers stuck in low-wage roles for family-sustaining careers at scale. Named by the New York Times as “the hybrid future of training programs for the disadvantaged,” Merit America offers fast and flexible education and job success programs that work for working adults, and are aligned to the most in-demand roles in the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. economy. Founded in 2018, Merit America has served more than 15,000 learners across the country and has driven an estimated $1 billion in cumulative wage gains. For more information, visit meritamerica.org/about.