Rep. Robert Merski's Biography

For Bob Merski holding the office of State Representative for the 2nd Legislative District is all about public service to his constituents and the residents of the Erie region.

Born and raised in Erie, Merski’s commitment to public service started at a young age. Son of the former Erie County Sheriff Robert Merski, he appreciated his father’s unique approach to community leadership. Merski learned that having a good balance of personal humility and a steadfast commitment to listening and understanding the needs of the community was essential to good leadership.

It was the inspiration gained from watching his father serve as Sheriff that motivated Merski to run for a seat on Erie City Council. Elected in 2011, Merski was one of the youngest ever to be elected to City Council.

Earning his degree in Elementary Education in 1999 from Mercyhurst University and his master’s degree in Educational Development and Strategies in 2015 from Wilkes University, Merski taught in Erie’s Catholic Schools, the Corry School District and, most recently, in the Erie City School District for the past 16 years.

In addition to working full time as a teacher, Merski served as a representative and officer in the Erie Education Association and the Northwestern Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Outside of the classroom, Merski co-founded the South East Hills Neighborhood Watch in 2007 and the South East Erie Farmers Market in 2009.

He has served the Erie community on the boards of the Erie Arts Opportunity Local Education Fund, the Economics Pennsylvania Advisory Board, and the St. Vincent Health Center Foundation. Merski has also served as co-chairman of the Young Erie Professionals Civic Engagement Committee.

Bob Merski currently resides in the City of Erie with his wife, Emily, and their son, Robert.