We are pleased to grow our Board of Directors today with the appointment of Merilee Buckley as an independent board member. Buckley currently serves as Chief Accounting Officer at Etsy, Inc, a global online marketplace. She has led an accomplished career, including her key leadership role at Coty, Inc during its IPO, and her financial and operational expertise on multiple strategic mergers and acquisitions for companies in the consumer goods and creative economy industries. Among other responsibilities at Etsy, her time has been spent on several of the company’s strategic global initiatives and acquisitions.
“Merilee will be an incredible mentor for the Patreon team, with her deep financial expertise and a track record of helping companies scale in a way that’s true to their mission,” said Jack Conte, CEO of Patreon. “Best of all, Merilee embodies what is important to us in a board leader: a transformational mindset and a shared passion for building with and for creators.”
Buckley serves on the boards of several of Etsy’s subsidiaries. She is also a member of a board at Rutgers University Business School focused on removing barriers for students university-wide entering technology fields and the board of the New Jersey chapter of the Marty Lyons Foundation, a philanthropic organization serving children suffering from terminal illnesses.
“I am thrilled to be joining Patreon’s Board of Directors and the opportunity to serve a burgeoning company that is creator-focused,” said Buckley. “I feel connected to the company’s ethos and core values, and so I am excited to work with Patreon’s leadership to support creativity and economic empowerment through entrepreneurship via this platform.”
We sat down with Merilee Buckley to learn more about what attracted her to Patreon and what she sees ahead for the creator economy.
Why Patreon?
Creators play an essential role in our entrepreneurial-driven economy. I was attracted to Patreon because of the company’s core value of serving the creative class and the founders’ passion for building the business around that mission. I am eager to work with this exceptionally passionate and qualified group.
What will your role be?
I will serve on Patreon’s Board and as the Audit Committee Chair, providing oversight of the financial reporting process, internal controls, and compliance with the requisite laws and regulations. Given my current position as the Chief Accounting Officer for Etsy, this role at Patreon is the perfect fit.
I’ve seen how companies can build robust business practices and operate extremely well while maintaining the culture and mission that make them exciting. I have experienced firsthand how an organization can transform from an up-and-coming company into an S&P500 player with a long runway for growth. I look forward to supporting Patreon in their mission.
What excites you about the future of Patreon?
I’m excited about the future of product development at Patreon. The company is just at the tip of the iceberg, and I’m excited about the road ahead. And I see even more promise for Patreon and the creator economy as the company grows and diversifies its talent and creator base. The addressable market of creators is significant. Patreon is uniquely positioned to tap into it, helping creators form direct relationships with their most passionate fans and build the businesses they want. I am very honored to be a part of something so special.
