Executive Director
Charlie Merritt is an advocate and assistive-technology innovator focused on veterans with disabilities and people living with paralysis.
After graduating from Pennsylvania State University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Business, Charlie continued his United States Marine Corps service after serving as an enlisted Sergeant, earned his commission, and completed his service as a Material Readiness Officer and S-4A for the 10th Marine Regiment. He also served as an infantryman with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines and 3d Battalion, 25th Marines.
In 2014, seven years after his discharge, Charlie sustained a cervical spinal cord injury that left him a C3 complete quadriplegic without functional use of his arms and legs. He shifted his focus toward nonprofit and assistive-technology work so that other people and families facing life-changing injuries would have better access to practical information, technology, and support.
Charlie is a cofounder and the Executive Director of Stand Up For Me, Inc., an organization created to increase independence for people living with paralysis and reduce unnecessary burden on their caregivers.