Merritt McKenzie
Chief Operations Officer
Merritt McKenzie embarked on his journey as CQ fluency’s inaugural chief operating officer in 2024, bringing over 25 years of business and healthcare leadership experience to the role.
Merritt’s leadership approach is deeply influenced by his upbringing as a Jamaican immigrant as well as his early career as an occupational therapist. As a frontline provider, he learned the critical importance of cultural sensitivity and effective communication in healthcare and frequently partnered with translators to improve patient care delivery. These early experiences forged a lifelong commitment to inclusivity, which has beautifully aligned with CQ fluency’s mission to enhance lives through translation services and improve healthcare accessibility.
Before CQ fluency, Merritt demonstrated his leadership as president and COO of a mental health urgent care provider, swiftly steering the organization to profitability and national readiness. Prior to this role, he served as COO of a post-acute healthcare organization, where his strategic executions notably increased EBITDA and expanded operations, setting new records in revenue growth across many states. Additionally, his leadership as president of a pediatric therapy and autism division resulted in enhanced business growth and improved patient satisfaction.
An executive known for fostering high-performance organizational cultures, Merritt’s leadership inspires collaboration, engagement, and mutual respect. He strives to harness the power of team dynamics to spark entrepreneurial spirit and drive impactful growth. This style has consistently produced environments where team members feel valued, resulting in positive business performance.
Merritt holds a Master of Science in Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, along with a Master of Health Services Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University. His academic pursuits are complemented by executive certifications from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia universities.
Merritt is an active member of several professional associations, including the Private Directors Association, the Association for Corporate Growth, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the National Association of Health Services Executives. He is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and foodie, who is also passionate about international travel with his family. He brings this balance of personal health, family values, and professional dedication to CQ fluency. Merritt resides in metro Atlanta with his wife and three children.
Connect with Merritt on LinkedIn