As Deputy Chief of Staff, John David “J.D.” Merrill supports the day-to-day operations of the Mayor’s office by working with the offices of Communications, Correspondence and Constituent Services, Government Relations, Neighborhoods, and Scheduling as well on special projects to advance the Mayor’s agenda. He joined the Mayor’s office in July 2023 after nine years in Baltimore City Public Schools and one year as a public sector consultant.

During his tenure with Baltimore City Schools, Merrill served in a variety of roles including as a high school social studies teacher, Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff, and Assistant Principal.

A native of Baltimore, Merrill is a graduate of Baltimore City College, the third oldest public high school in the United States. He earned a B.A. in Educational Policy Studies from Davidson College and has an M.S. in Educational Studies and a Graduate Certificate in School Administration and Supervision from the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. He lives in the Brewers Hill neighborhood of southeast Baltimore.