NASCA Press Release: Nick Merlino Announced as 2026 20 Under 40 Award Winner

For Immediate Release
May 14, 2026

Contact: Elizabeth Whitehouse, Executive Director, executivedirector@nasca.org

NASCA Press Release: Nick Merlino Announced as 2026 20 Under 40 Award Winner

Dover, DE — The National Association of State Chief Administrators is proud to announce Nick Merlino, Principal Deputy Chief of Staff at the Delaware Governor’s Office, as a 2026 NASCA 20 Under 40 Award recipient.

The NASCA 20 Under 40 Award recognizes 20 exceptional young leaders from across the country who are making significant contributions to state government. Our 2026 honorees represent the very best of public service – exemplifying innovation, collaboration, and a dedication to improving the lives of those they serve every single day.

In his role as Principal Deputy Chief of Staff, Merlino plays a central role in supporting the Governor’s Office and coordinating key priorities and initiatives across state government. He serves as a primary operational leader, working closely with agency leadership and senior staff to guide policy execution and ensure the implementation of gubernatorial priorities.

Merlino has been instrumental in guiding the Meyer administration through a pivotal period, helping lead successful transition into office and supporting a first year marked by historic investments in education, infrastructure, and government transformation. Drawing on prior campaign experience from multiple levels of government, he brings a steady, strategic approach to navigating complex challenges.

Upon nominating Merlino, GovSourcing CEO Brian Selander highlighted his ability to guide the Meyer administration through a critical transition period.

“In addition to guiding the Governor through an impossible path to victory in 2024, Nick then guided the Governor through an incredible first year in 2025 that made historic investments in and changes to education, infrastructure and government transformation.”

Merlino’s ability to advance transformational change and support the Governor’s most critical initiatives mirrors the values highlighted by the NASCA 20 Under 40 Award. NASCA celebrates his selection as a 20 Under 40 recipient, and we look forward to his continued work advancing excellence in state government operations.

Founded in 1976, NASCA is the nation’s only nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving chief administrative officers or CAOs. NASCA provides a forum for state chief administrative officers to exchange information and learn new ideas from each other and private sector partners. NASCA engages states in transforming government operations through shared knowledge, operational excellence, and thought leadership.

For more information on NASCA, please visit NASCA.org.