Merja Narvo-Akkola leads the Growth and Learning Sector
Merja Narvo-Akkola started as Deputy Mayor for Growth and Learning in Espoo on 1 April 2025.
The Growth and Learning Sector ensures a smooth, learner-centred learning path from early childhood education to the upper secondary level. Our youth services also reach children and young people in their free time.
“We offer support for children, young people and their guardians throughout the learning path. This allows us to create conditions for a seamless learning path and support the socially sustainable growth and learning of individuals and the entire community regardless of their background,” Narvo-Akkola says.
Before her current position, Narvo-Akkola served as the Head of Education Services at the City of Järvenpää. She also has international experience as well as extensive experience in development tasks in the City of Espoo’s Education and Cultural Services. Since 2021, the sector has been called the Growth and Learning Sector.
Career highlights:
Head of Education Services, City of Järvenpää, 2021–2025
Facility Development Manager, City of Espoo, 2018–2021
Superintendent of Schools for Basic Education, City of Espoo, 2015–2018
Lead Expert in Saudi-Arabia, EduCluster Finland, 2013–2015
Project Manager, development of shared leadership and collaborative culture in schools, City of Espoo, 2011–2013
11 years as Principal at Tähtiniityn koulu and Tähtitarhan koulu in Espoo
Narvo-Akkola holds a Master of Arts degree in education.