About The Mercadien Foundation

The Mission

The Mercadien Foundation is a nonprofit organization originally established in 2001. Its mission: to make a positive impact on the community by establishing, conducting, maintaining and supporting undertakings and activities that are exclusively charitable or educational in purpose. Today, the Foundation, a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity, also provides clients, friends and associates of The Mercadien Group with an outlet for giving back and paying forward to the communities in which they live and work.  We accomplish this by collaboratively creating philanthropic synergies and delivering innovative programs.

The Challenge

For our 50th anniversary in 2013, The Mercadien Group challenged its associates to each donate 50 hours of community service. For every hour of service completed, Mercadien’s managing directors contributed a set amount of money to the Foundation, helping it build a solid financial base from which to execute its mission agenda.

After the successful 50-Hour Challenge, we focused on developing innovative new programs that would make a difference in the community. While exploring different subject areas, it became apparent that financial literacy was one being neglected. With our backgrounds in accounting and financial consulting, we knew we could make a significant impact and contribution to the community on this topic.

The Initiatives

By conducting a series of surveys and roundtables with individuals, educators, business owners, college students, and nonprofit organizations, we determined the critical gaps in connecting financial literacy education to the community. This research enabled us to identify specific targeted geographic areas where program development, melded with our service capabilities, could be utilized to better educate and support the needs of residents.  This is how we developed two major initiatives - Money$peak and $martWorkplace.

Overseeing The Mercadien Foundation’s regular governance, planning and fundraising initiatives is a dedicated and highly-respected board of trustees. Members of The Mercadien Group and the larger community, together they are responsible for ensuring the creation and maintenance of strong programs. See who they are below.

Meet Our Board of Trustees

  • Marguerite L. Mount, CPA, CGMA, PFS, Managing Director, The Mercadien Group, Board Chair
  • Conrad L. Druker, CPA, CGMA, Managing Director, The Mercadien Group
  • Jack H. Fein, CPA, CGMA, PSA, Managing Director, The Mercadien Group
  • Digesh Patel, CPA, MBA, CGMA, Director, The Mercadien Group
  • Sherise D. Ritter, CPA, CGFM, CGMA, PSA, Managing Director, The Mercadien Group
  • Karen L. West, MBA
  • Eleanor V. Horne, Community Advocate, Retired VP of Educational Testing Service Social Investment Fund