Rich Merkouris is a longtime Sioux Falls resident. He spent his childhood years in Sioux Falls and attended Horace Mann Elementary. He later graduated from the University of Sioux Falls and has since served in numerous capacities as a community and faith leader. Rich currently serves as Senior Pastor at King of Glory Church, and is on the board of directors for Empower Sioux Falls and Compassion Child Care.

He has provided leadership for several collaborative efforts in Sioux Falls, including the development of the Empower Campus, the formation of the Sioux Falls Hope Coalition, and housing redevelopment in Pettigrew Heights. For eleven years, he served as a Volunteer Chaplain for the Sioux Falls Police Department and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office.

Rich’s wife, Shannon, is a special education teacher at John Harris Elementary. They have three children—Hannah, Henry, and Hazel.