Merkle (www.merkle.com), a leading customer relationship marketing (CRM) firm and the nation’s largest privately-held agency, announced that it has hired Jeff Patrick as vice president, strategy of the company’s nonprofit practice. With Patrick’s extensive industry experience, this is a great addition to the leadership of Merkle’s nonprofit team and exemplifies Merkle’s commitment to continued expansion within this sector.

Patrick joins Merkle from Common Knowledge, an online fundraising and marketing agency, where he was President and Founder beginning in 2002. At Common Knowledge, Patrick drove the strategic consulting for client work and drove cutting edge online fundraising and marketing services  for national and regional nonprofit organizations. Patrick is a frequent speaker at industry events such as NTEN, Convio, Blackbaud, and DMA Nonprofit Federation conferences.

As evidence of Patrick’s strong client relationships and leadership, he works with key clients such as: Save the Children, World Vision, Canine Companions for Independence and Global Fund for Women.

Joining Patrick in his move to Merkle are several valued colleagues, Rick Gentry, strategy director; Eve Smith, strategy director; Anne McGonigle, integrated digital project manager; and Patrick Hynes, nonprofit digital technical lead. These key new hires will assist in accelerating the growth of Merkle’s nonprofit practice, as it remains a key pillar in the agency’s corporate success.

“I was excited to join the Merkle nonprofit team, with their extensive history of serving the nonprofit industry,” said Patrick. “I have always been impressed specifically with Merkle’s fundamental ability to lead the nonprofit industry in analytics innovation. Now, Merkle has added unique digital capabilities that are creating new opportunities for growth for nonprofits. I am looking forward to collaborating with the talented Merkle team to focus on delivering the latest online fundraising and marketing services to Merkle’s nonprofit clients.”

Merkle’s general manager, nonprofit practice,  Jeff Regen, said, “As Merkle continues to invest in high-caliber fundraising talent, Jeff and his team’s strong reputation in the industry will be a valuable addition to our team. Jeff’s appointment further strengthens our nonprofit leadership and adds new areas of digital expertise. On behalf of the entire Merkle team, I am thrilled to welcome Jeff, Rick, Anne, Eve and Patrick to their new roles.”