Kara Mergl is a dynamic, entrepreneurial-minded leader with over 15 years of experience in social policy and systems change. Currently as Director for State Policy at CSH, Ms. Mergl is responsible for working with jurisdictions across America to advance state and local statutory and regulatory proposals and advocate for increased investments in supportive housing. During her career she has developed multiple successful programs, increased cost saving in the public sector while improving client outcomes, trained 800+ individuals worldwide on change strategies, and provided consultation to policy-makers and Fortune 500 corporations. Most recently, Ms. Mergl lead systems reform initiatives for the City of New York’s Administration for Children’s Services. Ms. Mergl is a strong public speaker and has presented at multiple conferences and events worldwide. Ms. Mergl holds a Master of Science in Social Policy and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as BAs from Moravian College in Psychology and Art History.