March 04, 2015, Columbia, MD – Merkle (www.merkle.com), a leading data-driven, technology-enabled performance marketing agency, will welcome Jennifer Murphy, chief administrative officer of Legg Mason, Inc., to speak at its Women in Leadership series at its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, on March 6, 2015. Murphy will address Merkle employees around the world ahead of International Women’s Day about how women can be a catalyst of positive change.

The Merkle Women in Leadership program began as an internal initiative which Merkle has extended to its clients and industry peers to take part in the certain events. The goal of the program is to provide a forum for women to address noteworthy and challenging topics and create a call to action for current and future business leaders, both women and men. It provides opportunities for personal and professional growth through forums that include education, mentorship and practical experience.

“Merkle’s Women in Leadership program is designed to support and enable women leaders throughout our company, our clients and peers across the world,” said Jean Holder, CFO of Merkle. “International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the contributions women have made and recognize the significant role we will continue to have in shaping the future of our respective industries.”

As the chief administrative officer of Legg Mason, Jennifer Murphy oversees the firm’s global fund accounting, technology, human resources, risk management, internal audit, fund boards and real estate and corporate services divisions. She is a former Trustee of the Board at the Walters Art Museum and a current Trustee of the Board for the Glenelg Country School, and was also appointed to the Brown Women's Leadership Council in 2010. Murphy is the sister of David Williams, chairman and chief executive officer of Merkle.

“Programs like Merkle’s Women in Leadership are essential to encourage growth opportunities for women in business, and create a platform for advancing and recognizing women leaders,” said Jennifer Murphy. “Through increased mentorship and support, there are no limits to the contributions women will make, not only to their own companies, but to future generations of women in the corporate community too.”

Merkle plans to host additional speaker events, in addition to its own internal initiatives, throughout 2015. It recently hosted Cathie Black, former publisher of USA Today, chairman of Hearst Magazines and New York City Schools Chancellor, who spoke to a group of women at Merkle’s New York City offices.