Stace Mercier serves as the Executive Director of The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation. As such, Mercier guides and directs the USM Foundation through strategic leadership, talent management and board engagement. She is a leader in advancement strategy and focuses fundraising efforts to further the mission of The University of Southern Mississippi and the vision and priorities of its leadership. The USM Foundation strives to provide meaningful opportunities for philanthropy for the University’s alumni and friends. A donor-centered approach is engaged in every aspect of operations, from fundraising to communications. As a result, the USM Foundation has experienced exponential growth not only in fiscal assets, but also in furtherance of its mission to support the institution.

Since joining the USM Foundation in 2003, Mercier has served in various roles, including Chief Financial Officer, project manager to implement information systems, and interim Advancement Services Director.

A two-time graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, Mercier has both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accountancy and a Master of Professional Accountancy. As a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional, Mercier has also volunteered her time to assist other local nonprofit organizations. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is an active member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), serving as a member of the College and University Foundations (formerly Institutionally Related Foundations) conference committee and speaker, as well as participating as a member of the College and University Foundations National Committee.