Charles Merriam

Charles Merriam creates and communicates stories of advancing telecommunications and other technology. Charles worked at many innovative software technology companies, most recently as a systems engineer for strategic partnerships at the JavaSoft division of Sun Microsystems. He is the inventor on five issued U.S. patents and several overseas patents dealing with applications and security of telecommunication devices and human information management. He manages TrueGift Donations and is a superdad for his three-year-old son, Andrew. Charles is currently searching for new opportunities, attending graduate school, and planning a new start-up!

Charles manages the administration, fundraising, and database for TrueGift Donations.

Marshal Merriam

Marshal Merriam is a retired rocket scientist from NASA Ames Research Center. He has worked in several areas of computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamics and project management. He is currently studying to become a high school physics teacher. Among other achievements, Dr. Merriam is the father of Jennifer, a senior at Cal Poly SLO, Hilary, a third-grader, and Olivia, a kindergartener.

Marshal and Jennifer created the original idea for TrueGift. Jennifer provides reality checks against actual school practices and tests our selection of school supplies. She also maintains the new website. Marshal does most of the actual shipping of supplies, serves as Treasurer, and manages our relationships with schools.

Hugh Merriam

Hugh Merriam manages alternative energy generation contracts for Pacific Gas and Electric. Hugh is also an avid pilot, works extensively with FireSafe groups, and is actively involved in urban forestry organizations. He holds an MBA from UC Davis and a forestry degree from UC Berkeley.

Hugh, in conjunction with the UC Davis MBA students, performed the original market research surveys for TrueGift Donations. Hugh currently serves on the Board of Directors and manages the fundraising and deliveries for San Francisco schools.