Aaron Merchen is executive director of policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Merchen works on the Chamber Foundation's early childhood education portfolio leading efforts to educate policy makers, state and local chambers and early education advocates on business’ role in early education to promote investments in the workforce of today and tomorrow.

Before joining the Chamber Foundation, Merchen worked at the National Association for the Education of Young Children as assistant director of federal policy. There he led the association’s engagement with Congress and efforts to elevate the voices and needs of the early childhood workforce.

Merchen holds degrees from South Dakota State University and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and two sons.