Merril Prager
Board Treasurer

Merril grew up in Evanston, IL and attended Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned a BSBA in Accounting. She began her career in public accounting at KPMG, after which she spent many years in the health care industry. Among her health care roles were Controller at Highland Park Hospital and Chief Financial Officer of the Michael Reese Doctors Group. Her passion for mission-focused work led Merril to the not-for-profit sector. She was Director of Finance and Administration with the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and currently has a consulting practice providing finance and accounting services to not-for-profit organizations. Clients have included Donors Forum of Chicago, Evanston Community Foundation, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago, and Terra Foundation for the Arts.

Merril has long been interested in the arts, particularly theater and music. Having been entranced by The Sound of Music at the age of five, she has since virtually memorized the entire script! She never misses a chance to see a Broadway show when visiting New York. She plays piano and has bravely performed in song-and-dance numbers in two amateur musical productions, which has given her an even greater appreciation for the talented performers she enjoys on stage.

Merril is also on the boards of Northlight Theatre, where she serves as Treasurer, and North Suburban United Way. It was at their benefit in March 2007 where she first heard Acts of Kindness Cabaret. Merril was totally enchanted by both the performance and the Acts of Kindness mission of promoting cabaret music while helping organizations raise money for their good causes and passing along random acts of kindness. She is delighted to be a new member of the board.