Steven Merkel
Chief Operating Officer
Office: Indianapolis
smerkel@kdlegal.com
f: 317-636-1507
Steve Merkel serves as Chief Operating Officer at Krieg DeVault, overseeing the firm’s administrative and operational functions and collaborating with leadership on strategic planning and growth. Steve brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the legal industry and public service. Prior to joining Krieg DeVault, he served as Chief Operating Officer for a nationwide law firm, where he guided firmwide transformation, modernized operations, and helped build a diverse leadership team.
Earlier in his career, Steve held senior leadership roles in the United States Army, where he directed large, complex organizations and managed enterprise-level operations, budgets, and teams. He is recognized for building high-performing, inclusive cultures rooted in trust, collaboration, and accountability. Steve is known for bridging strategy and execution, driving operational excellence, and aligning people, processes, and technology to support long-term growth.
Education
- M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island
- M.A. in Strategic Planning and Military Science, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Leavenworth, Kansas
- B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York
Foreign Languages
- French
- German
Steve Merkel serves as Chief Operating Officer at Krieg DeVault, overseeing the firm’s administrative and operational functions and collaborating with leadership on strategic planning and growth. Steve brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the legal industry and public service. Prior to joining Krieg DeVault, he served as Chief Operating Officer for a nationwide law firm, where he guided firmwide transformation, modernized operations, and helped build a diverse leadership team.
Earlier in his career, Steve held senior leadership roles in the United States Army, where he directed large, complex organizations and managed enterprise-level operations, budgets, and teams. He is recognized for building high-performing, inclusive cultures rooted in trust, collaboration, and accountability. Steve is known for bridging strategy and execution, driving operational excellence, and aligning people, processes, and technology to support long-term growth.
Education
- M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies, U.S. Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island
- M.A. in Strategic Planning and Military Science, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Leavenworth, Kansas
- B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York
Foreign Languages
- French
- German