Trust for Public Land Announces Eliot P.S. Merrill as Newest National Board Member

New York, NY — Trust for Public Land (TPL), the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating parks and connecting everyone to the outdoors, is proud to announce the appointment of Eliot P.S. Merrill to TPL’s esteemed National Board of Directors. With extensive financial expertise and a deep love for nature, Merrill’s appointment strengthens TPL’s commitment to connecting everyone with the outdoors.

“I am honored to join the Trust for Public Land’s National Board of Directors,” said Eliot Merrill. “My love for the outdoors and commitment to enhancing public access to natural spaces align perfectly with TPL’s mission to connect everyone to the outdoors. Together, we can create a brighter, greener future for all.”

Merrill, a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College, resides in Brooklyn, New York, with his family and beloved dogs. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast who relishes spending quality time in nature. Merrill is excited to leverage his experience and passion to help TPL fulfill its mission of providing better access to fresh air and open space for communities across the nation.

Parks in New York and across the country are an essential part of improving public health, protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of the climate crisis and building strong community cohesion. And yet, 100 million people, including 28 million kids, do not have access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk from home. Access to the outdoors is a fundamental human need — yet there is a significant outdoor equity gap in America. Parks located in communities of color are half the size of parks in predominantly white neighborhoods and serve five times more people per acre. TPL aim to change that, and is leading a nationwide movement to close this outdoor equity gap by creating parks in the communities that need them most.

Merrill, currently serving as the Managing Director and Head of Carlyle Global Partners at the Carlyle Group, joins the TPL National Board with over 25 years of experience as a private equity investor. Having spent 22 years at Carlyle and 4 years at Freeman Spogli, Eliot’s expertise will be invaluable as TPL continues to pursue its mission of creating parks and protecting natural spaces across the country.

Before his notable tenure in private equity and finance, Mr. Merrill’s career path included time at Dillon Read, an investment bank, and even selling sails for boats at Doyle Sailmakers, reflecting his diverse skill set and dedication to various aspects of the business world.

In his role at Carlyle Global Partners, Eliot Merrill focuses on delivering long-term risk-adjusted returns over a longer timeframe than typical private equity funds. This aligns well with TPL’s vision of creating lasting, sustainable improvements to creating public park access for all.

Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. TPL has created or enhanced more than 250 neighborhood parks in New York City, investing roughly $200 million in land purchases and in the design, construction and stewardship of parks.

TPL is dedicated to equitable outdoor access and has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created over 5,364 parks and outdoor spaces, raised $93 billion in public funding for parks and lands, and connected nearly 9.4 million people to the outdoors since its founding in 1972.

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About Trust for Public Land  

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,364 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $93 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.4 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.