Merkle (www.merkle.com), a leading technology-enabled, data-driven customer relationship marketing (CRM) firm and the nation’s largest privately-held agency, today announced its inaugural Women in Leadership speaker series. On January 14, 2015 in New York City, Merkle welcomes Cathie Black, celebrated publisher, businesswoman and writer to address attendees at the first event planned in the series this year. The speaker series, which is one element of Merkle’s Women in Leadership program, started out as an internal initiative that Merkle is now extending to include Merkle clients and industry peers.

"The mission of our Women in Leadership program is to provide unique opportunities for personal and professional growth through cross-company forums that include education, mentorship, and practical experience," said Jean Holder, CFO at Merkle. In 2014, Jean and a group of five other senior women at Merkle saw a need and worked to launch this program at Merkle. "We seek to positively impact our culture within Merkle and our industry, support one another, and enable women leaders to be accountable for and deliver profitable growth."

As former publisher of USA Today, chairman of Hearst Magazines and New York City Schools Chancellor, Cathie Black understands the importance of forward-thinking women leaders within our industry. In her New York Timesbestselling book, “Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life)”, Black shares personal anecdotes from her working life that guide readers along her path to success while also trying to illustrate the importance of striking a balance between work and personal life.

"I am honored to be a part of this inaugural event for a unique initiative that brings together women leaders around provoking topics in the business community," said Cathie Black. "In the spirit of innovation, leadership and education, companies like Merkle, are pushing important issues for women leaders, and the impact of these issues on business, to the forefront of the conversation. Not only should programs like this be supported and replicated, but also celebrated for years to come."

Merkle’s Women in Leadership committee is working closely with known industry leaders, such as Cathie Black, as well as representatives from client companies and other organizations to develop additional events throughout the year to support the mission of the program. Merkle’s goal is to provide a forum for women in the industry to address noteworthy and challenging topics, provide networking opportunities and create a call to action for current and future business leaders, both women and men. On March 8, 2015, Merkle will celebrate International Women’s Day as the second event in this speaker series. More information about that event will be announced closer to the date.