DSG | Koya partnered with Maryland Legal Aid on the search for a Chief Development and Communications Officer.

Maryland Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization providing free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families across the state of Maryland. With a strong commitment to protecting the rights of historically marginalized communities, Maryland Legal Aid aims to expand access to justice and create a more equitable society.

The search resulted in the appointment of Karim Merchant in the role.

A seasoned fundraising and communications expert, Merchant brings a wealth of experience in philanthropy, advocacy, and strategic communications. He has expertise in major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants within the nonprofit sector.

Before joining Maryland Legal Aid, Merchant was Senior Executive Officer for Development at The Arc, the nation’s leading organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. There, he guided national fundraising strategy and helped launch The Arc US Foundation, shaping its early governance and strategy.

Throughout his career, Merchant has demonstrated a commitment to advancing social justice. He has led development efforts at the Cancer Support Community, expanding donor engagement and philanthropic revenue for the largest professionally-led network of cancer support. He also directed nationwide fundraising at Aga Khan Foundation USA, generating nearly $14 million annually to advance long-term social and economic development in Asia and Africa.

Merchant began his career as a corporate finance attorney with Baker & McKenzie, experience that informs his strategic and analytical approach to philanthropy. He brings a unique blend of fundraising expertise, legal knowledge, and passion for social justice lending to his abilities to drive growth and support organizational goals.

Merchant holds a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and a B.A. in Economics and Spanish from Vanderbilt University. He is also proficient in English, Spanish, and Urdu. He lives in Rockville, Maryland, with his husband and their two children.