Clark Merkley is the Executive Director of BootUp PD, a nonprofit and IRS 501(c)(3) organization focused on preparing and empowering teachers and implementing elementary computer science programs nationwide to lift our rising generation.

Immediately prior to joining BootUp PD, Clark was Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of Emerald Data Solutions, which provides the industry-leading eGovernance solution – BoardDocs – that is used by over in hundreds of school districts across the United States. BootUp started as a “give back” initiative of Emerald Data Solutions and has become a leader in the elementary computer science. Clark served as a school board member for the School District of Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin, has served on several nonprofit boards and has also served in human resources for a large school district. Clark has been a CEO, a practicing attorney and has worked with other nonprofits.

In the middle of his professional career, Clark was a junior-high Algebra, Physical Science, Earth Science, and Law & Government teacher. He loved being in the classroom and helping to shape the minds of future lifelong learners. He considers teaching to be the greatest of all professions.
Clark received his J.D. and MBA from the University of Chicago and his undergraduate degree in Zoology from Brigham Young University. He and his wife, Sheryl, are the parents of five and the grandparents of fourteen.