Tory Merhar Named Associate Vice President at LSS

Tory Merhar has been named associate vice president of Community Based Services for St. Paul-based Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), the oldest and one of the largest human service organizations in Minnesota. In her new role, she will oversee PICS (Partners in Community Supports), Host Homes, Care Coordination Services, Camp Knutson and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

“I am honored to serve in this new role and be part of an organization that changes lives for the better,” Merhar said. “I am impressed by LSS’ commitment to service innovation, creating new services and adapting models all while keeping the person at the center of the design.”

In 2016, Merhar joined LSS as the senior director of PICS, a financial management service and licensed service provider that offers financial and technical support for 1,900 individuals with identified needs and older adults in Minnesota who self-direct their support structures in their own homes and communities. In 2021, she was promoted to senior operations director for PICS.

Prior to LSS, Merhar held several positions relating to health care, care coordination and technology, including her positions at HealthPartners and United Health Group Early in her career, Merhar served as a director of Social Services, first for Granite Falls Hospital & Manor in Granite Falls, and then for Presbyterian Homes and Services in Eden Prairie.

Merhar earned a master’s in Business Administration in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. She also holds a rural healthcare leadership certificate from Minnesota West Community College in Granite Falls and is a certified case manager and licensed social worker. In June, Merhar became a Certified Dream Manager. In 2018, she received the LSS CEO Leadership Award in 2020 and the LSS Breakthrough and Velocity Award. 

Currently, Merhar serves as the vice chair of the Board of Directors for Girls Are Powerful, is an active member and mentor for the Women’s Health Leadership Trust and volunteers for a variety of organizations. Previously, she served as a host family and liaison for the AFS Exchange Student Program.

Merhar and her family live in Woodbury.