Celia Merritt

Celia Merritt is a seasoned mortgage professional and retired Lieutenant with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and community impact. With roots in the mortgage industry dating back to 2003, Celia currently serves as a Loan Originator with Edge Home Finance, where she leads a team and helps clients navigate residential, vacation, and investment financing across multiple states. Known for her vast industry knowledge and steady guidance, she approaches lending with a people-first mindset shaped by decades of experience making high-stakes decisions under pressure.

Before transitioning full-time into mortgage lending, Celia completed a full career in the fire service, retiring as a Lieutenant after nearly two decades of service. Her time in public safety profoundly influenced her perspective, instilling a calm, solutions-driven approach she often summarizes as, “No one is dying, nothing is burning, and everything else is negotiable.” That clarity and resilience have translated seamlessly into her work with realtors, clients, and community partners, allowing her to lead with confidence, empathy, and perspective.

Beyond her professional roles, Celia is deeply involved in community and nonprofit work, driven in part by her mother’s battle with terminal lung cancer. She has been a long-time advocate with the American Lung Association, founding a firefighter stair-climb fundraising team whose top individual award now honors her mother’s legacy. Her work also extends to organizations such as Tunnels to Towers, CryoEase 22, and Pasco Kids First, supporting veterans, first responders, and children in need. Whether in lending, public service, or philanthropy, Celia is guided by purpose, positive self-talk, and a steadfast belief in answering one’s calling—one right decision at a time.

• CPR Certified

• University of South Florida- Bachelor's

• American Lung Association
• Pasco Kids First