Shelly Marquez header image

Mercy Housing announces new Mountain Plains President Shelly Marquez

DENVER, CO – Mercy Housing Inc. is pleased to announce Shelly Marquez as the new president of the Mountain Plains region. Marquez will lead the region’s operations, including real estate development, fundraising and resident services in the region. Mercy Housing Mountain Plains is an affiliate of Mercy Housing, the nation’s largest affordable housing nonprofit, and serves seven states: Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and South Dakota.

Marquez has been a community development leader for over 30 years in the financial services industry – including 19 years serving communities with low and moderate incomes. She brings commercial lending experience in serving the needs of business customers across the state. She is a thought leader in financial health with deep expertise in asset building, particularly in underbanked communities. Before retiring from Wells Fargo last month, Marquez held the position of Senior Vice President of Community Relations – leading a team across a 13-state region. In her role, she managed a philanthropic budget to deploy grants to local markets and was responsible for community outreach, stakeholder engagement and reputation activities across the region.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Mercy Housing. This is a crucial time for the Mountain Plains region, and I look forward to serving the very communities that have inspired me over the years. The organization is in a great position to continue to address affordable housing in the region, serving even more people with low incomes through stable housing with services,” said Marquez.

Mercy Housing Mountain Plains owns and operates 40 affordable housing apartment properties housing approximately 5,500 residents in 3,090 apartment homes. Marquez will raise the visibility of the Mountain Plains region and generate new affordable housing development opportunities in Colorado, Arizona and Nebraska, where most of the existing housing portfolio is concentrated. It has been nearly 10 years since the region has had a full-time President.

“Mercy Housing is fortunate to have Shelly join the Mercy Housing team at a time when the demand for affordable housing communities is as strong as ever,” said Chief Operating Officer of Mercy Housing Dee Walsh. “I look forward to working with her as she leads the seven-state region in bringing stable affordable housing solutions and services to people living with low incomes.”

Marquez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude from Colorado Christian University. She has been a recipient of the “Outstanding Women in Business Award” from the Denver Business Journal and currently serves on numerous boards in the community including the National Association of Latino Community Asset Builders, Community First Foundation and Energize Colorado.