An Eastern Bank executive has been elected president of the board of directors of Lynn’s Girls Inc.

Cynthia C. Merkle, an executive vice president and chief operational risk officer at the Lynn-based bank, has been elected for a one-year term. She will oversee strategic planning and funding at Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping change, empower and improve the lives of disadvantaged girls.

"It has been a pleasure working with Cindy over the past few years," said Patricia Driscoll, executive director of Girls Inc. of Lynn. "We are anticipating a great year under Cindy’s leadership. She is a driving force behind our mission and committed to meeting our goals."

Merkle joined Girls Inc. of Lynn in 2006 and served on the nominating and finance committees and chaired the Building committee, which oversaw the $10.6 million construction of its new facility at 50 High St. in Lynn.