Our Team

Merritt McNeely

Chief Executive Officer, Visionary Marketing Leader and Community Advocate

Merritt McNeely is the Chief Executive Officer of Flock and Rally, where she has driven the agency’s remarkable growth and success since 2020. With a strategic vision rooted in innovation and collaboration, Merritt has transformed the agency into a powerhouse of creativity and excellence, leading award-winning campaigns, expanding its client base, and setting new benchmarks for integrated marketing.

Merritt’s leadership philosophy centers on building meaningful relationships, fostering a values-driven culture, and leveraging data-driven insights to create impactful outcomes. As CEO, she has built an exceptional 20-person team, personally overseeing all hiring and cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Merritt manages every facet of the company, from strategic vision and financial planning to operational leadership and client success. Her hands-on approach and steadfast commitment to excellence have cemented Flock and Rally’s reputation as a premier marketing and communications firm.

Under Merritt’s leadership, Flock and Rally has earned numerous industry accolades that reflect the agency’s creative excellence and strategic impact. In 2024, the agency achieved an unprecedented trifecta of "Best in Show" awards across three major platforms: the Mercury Awards (PRSA), American Advertising Federation (AAF), and International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). These honors showcase the innovative work produced by Merritt and her team across diverse industries and projects.

Before joining Flock and Rally, Merritt was the Director of Marketing at the South Carolina State Museum from 2013 to 2018. She led a complete rebrand, launched a new website, and implemented a statewide paid media campaign that elevated the museum’s public image. She overhauled the membership program, achieving a 260% increase, and spearheaded the 2017 Total Eclipse Weekend campaign, positioning Columbia as a national destination. 

Earlier in her career, Merritt served as the Executive Director of the Five Points Association from 2006 to 2013. She led community improvement projects, organized major events like the St. Pat’s in Five Points festival, and built strong relationships with city officials and stakeholders. She also secured essential funding through grant-writing and developed marketing and public relations strategies that elevated the district’s visibility and reputation.

Merritt has been recognized with numerous personal accolades for her leadership and contributions to the marketing industry and the community. Her awards include being named Runner-Up for Best Local Business Leader in 2023, one of South Carolina’s Women in Business by the Columbia Regional Business Report in 2022, a Woman of Influence in 2019, and a recipient of the State Media Company’s 20 Under 40 distinction in 2018. Earlier in her career, Merritt was listed in the Free Times Power Issue Top 100 in 2012 and Columbia Business Monthly’s 50 Most Influential People in 2011.

Merritt holds a BA in Public Relations from the University of South Carolina with a minor in Business Administration. Residing in Columbia with her husband and son, she is deeply invested in her community, currently serving on the boards of The Five Points Association and the Riverfront Branding Committee, with a history of involvement on numerous others. An avid runner and community supporter, Merritt is passionate about fostering connections, celebrating Adluh art and collecting oyster plates, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to every aspect of her life