Merrilee Warholak began her career as Publicity Director for a Danbury, CT-area book publisher. While finishing her English degree at Western CT State University, she joined Benay Enterprises as an intern, which helped her develop a strong knowledge base of both business and publishing.

​Over the years, Merrilee has helped Benay expand in many directions as Director of Client Relations—incorporating new companies; royalty preparation for Benay’s publishing clients; negotiating author/publisher contracts; and licensing foreign translation rights including numerous New York Times bestsellers.

​While continuing to assist in managing the daily operations of Benay, Merrilee helped Benay’s reach extend into the world of publishing as Editorial Director at For Beginners LLC (formerly Writers and Readers Publishing). Merrilee’s passion for the written word found its realization in overseeing the For Beginners’ publishing process in its entirety.

​Merrilee achieved a lifelong dream to live in Maine when she moved to beautiful Gorham with her husband, son, dog, and now, chickens. She is now the Chief Operating Officer of Benay, and runs the Portland branch. In her spare time, she volunteers, hikes, swims, skis – anything to enjoy the beautiful outdoor wonders of Maine.