Staff Spotlight: David
David with Harpo and Quasi
The PAWS NY team is growing, and we recently hired David Merrell as our Institutional Giving Manager, focusing on grants and other forms of institutional support.
After working in both banking and creative writing, David eventually ended up working as a grant writer, which combines fundraising and writing—and helping others! A proud dog guardian, David has had pets all his life and understands the value they bring to our lives. He’s excited to bring it all together in this new role at PAWS NY, and we’re glad to have him helping us raise more money to help even more New Yorkers and pets.
Read more about David and his two pups in his full Q&A below!
What has your career been like leading up to PAWS NY? How did you make your way into the nonprofit world?
I have a background in banking and creative writing, two completely different worlds! In banking I learned customer service and sales skills, but ultimately wanted to explore my creative side and help people. After graduating from New York University with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature, I wrote various pieces while also working as a dog walker and sitter for dozens of canines over New York City. Having volunteered for various nonprofits in the past, as well as working as a grant writer for a nonprofit that breaks cycles of poverty, I am now excited to be working for PAWS NY, an organization that helps people and animals.
What about this position and organization attracted you? Why are you excited to be on the PAWS NY staff?
I have been passionate about animals my entire life, having grown up with dogs and cats. I also know how important and valuable pets are as a wonderful support to humans. Throughout the years I have witnessed individuals going through life circumstances that make it difficult for them to take care of their own pets. When I learned about PAWS and what they offer, my heart sang. I am thrilled to join the PAWS NY team and help vulnerable New Yorkers and their pets!
Tell us about your pets, both past & present.
I am a proud guardian of two dogs, Harpo and Quasi. I met them fifteen years ago at a rescue event. I learned they are brothers who were found on the streets alone and had stuck together. They immediately jumped in my lap, and I adopted them both, as I didn’t want to separate them. They have been my wonderful support ever since! They are about to turn 16 years old. I also grew up with two dogs, Puppins and Coco, and a cat named Frisco, who lived to be 21!
Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Seattle, Washington. I moved to New York nine years ago and live in Midtown Manhattan.
What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?
The arts and creativity! I love the various museums, musicals, plays, shows, dance, opera, and experimental art that the city holds. Never a dull moment, I see art on just about every corner of this incredible city that has so much diversity and inclusion, where artists from all over the world, from different ages, race, and gender identities tell their story.
What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?
I love pop culture! Movies, music, concerts, tv, books, I love a good story. One of my favorite things to do is binge watch a great show with my two dogs by my side.
Anything else you’d like to share with the PAWS NY community?
I am so excited to join this incredible organization and fantastic team! My two dogs are thrilled as well, and hopefully they’ll come in to work one of these days!
We can’t wait to meet Harpo and Quasi in person and are thrilled to have you on board, David!