Merle Hirschman is a retired consultant/business owner of The Delta Concept, started in 1994 in New Jersey.  She was born and raised in Philadelphia and graduated from Temple University with a B.S. in Business Administration.  The Delta Concept specialized in helping small and mid-sized organizations achieve business goals, improve effectiveness and increase profits.  Prior to starting Delta, she worked in small and mid-size organizations, specializing in marketing.

A member of the Rotary Club of Huguenot Trail, Merle has been in Rotary since 1995 and currently serves as Executive Secretary of her club.  She was President in 2005-2006 and received the Outstanding President Award for her service.  Prior to moving to Virginia, Merle was a member of the Rotary Club of the Princeton Corridor and served as President in 2001-2002.  During that year, her club chartered a new Interact Club and a new Rotary Club.  She was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by the Princeton Corridor Club, is a sustaining member of the Rotary Foundation, a Benefactor and has 9 years perfect attendance.

In other civic activities, Merle chaired the Small Business Committee for the Princeton Chamber of Commerce.  She served on the Board of the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown, chairs the Correspondence Committee and is a member of the Worship, Strategic Planning, Commitment and Congregational Care committees at Crestwood Presbyterian Church.  She is also a commissioned Stephen Minister.

Merle married her high school sweetheart, John, 40 years ago.  They have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren.  John has been very involved in helping out at all Rotary events and work days and has built a new podium for the Huguenot Trail Club.