Staff & Board

Mera has more than a decade of experience in preservation organizations. The move to Canalway in 2020 brought her closer to her hometown in the Laurel Highlands of PA and is a return to her rust belt roots. While serving as the Executive Director at the Arabia Alliance outside of Atlanta, her work to create community-driven, place-based experiences resulted in the preservation and activation of several historic sites, an increase in tourism visitation through events and educational programming, and recognition from the Georgia governor and Congressman for those successful efforts.

Mera is honored to have assumed the role of Executive Director as the Towpath Trail was being completed in Cleveland and is dedicated to working with partners to build out Canal Basin Park.

Prior to changing careers to pursue cultural heritage passions, Mera worked for CNN Headline News and CNN Newsource as both a producer and a sales executive. Mera holds a Masters of Heritage Preservation from Georgia State University and a BS in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Miami, FL. Mera and her husband currently make their home in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland with their “Bark Ranger” Daisy and three cats. She enjoys biking the Towpath Trail, yoga, kayaking, exploring historic sites especially historic cemeteries, binge watching quirky TV series, knitting, and the view from her front porch.

Meghan Paynter is the Director of Communications for Canalway and the co-director of communications for the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. In this role, she works to connect to places that are historically and culturally important in Northeast Ohio through storytelling, events, and community connections. Meghan has diverse communications, public relations, and social media experience, having served as communications manager for both private and non-profit organizations over the last 12 years. Meghan has a degree in Journalism from Ohio University and enjoys reading and exploring National Parks and local trail with her husband and two dogs.

McKenzie Merriman brings a decade of experience in nonprofit programs and community events to her role as Programs and Special Events Coordinator at Canalway. Her work is rooted in developing strategies that connect community members to each other and the world around them. McKenzie has supported many organizations including SPACES, Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center, and The Cleveland Foundation. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and English from The Ohio State University and her Master’s in Strategic Communication from Columbia College Chicago.

McKenzie's days include dancing in the mornings, biking around Cleveland and pouring herself into an assortment of creative outlets.

Bryce Evan Lewis (they/she) is a community builder, storyteller, and nonprofit fundraiser whose work lives at the intersection of care, craft, and connection. They believe that joyful, inclusive spaces make everything else possible and bring that belief into their role as Community Engagement Specialist at Canalway, where they lead efforts to foster partnerships, amplify local stories, and strengthen public connection to place.

Bryce holds a BA from Baldwin Wallace University and brings a background in theater and fiber arts to their human-centered approach to development and communications. Their career spans advancement, arts administration, and community programming, with a focus on building systems that promote long-term sustainability and equitable access. They've supported mission-driven organizations across Northeast Ohio and Denver, Colorado, including Talespinner Children’s Theatre, SeriesFest, and Beck Center for the Arts.

Outside of work, you can find Bryce road racing 5Ks, hiking local trails, or searching for the best ice cream in town.