About Us
Staff
Sharron Welsh – Executive Director
Sharron has over 35 years of direct experience in housing and has worked for such entities as San Diego County, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the San Diego Housing Commission. Sharron came to New Mexico in 1992 as The Housing Trust’s first employee. Since then she has been instrumental in the creation of numerous housing programs and the growth of The Housing Trust into one of the most distinguished and successful housing non-profits in the county. In her spare time Sharron enjoys exploring archaeological sites and spending time with her beloved dogs Baby and Bear.
Nellie Martinez – Deputy Director
Nellie was raised and spent most of her life in the Santa Fe area. She has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry in loan operations, underwriting and mortgage servicing. In her spare time Nellie enjoys family life, old movies and good coffee.
Spencer Haynsworth – Project Manager
Spencer is Fredrick P Rose Architectural Fellow and project manager at the Housing Trust. Spencer holds master's degrees in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia. In 2006 Spencer taught as a guest lecturer at UVA's School of Architecture. Spencer holds an undergraduate degree from St. John's College in Annapolis, MD. Spencer is the author of the booklet, Timber, Salt and Stone. Spencer is also a LEED Accredited Professional.
Rick Story – Chief Financial Officer
Rick grew up primarily on the East coast in Massachusetts and Virginia, but raised two children in Southern California. He moved to Santa Fe in 1993 after a career in bank finance and accounting, as well as spending one year as controller in the healthcare industry. Rick moved to Santa Fe to assist in the formation of Thornburg Mortgage where he served as Director and Chief Financial Officer when he retired in 2005. While retired, Rick developed interests in travel, boating and playing with his grandchildren.
Lori Stevens – Program Manager, HOPWA
Lori arrived in Santa Fe 19 years ago from Canada and has been with The Housing Trust for 8 years now. In addition to counseling future homebuyers, she works with special needs clients through the HOPWA program as well as ensuring renters have a decent, clean and safe place to rent through the Shelter plus Care program. Lori is one of our Homebuyer trainers and you can find her out on the slopes at the Santa Fe Ski Basin or riding her bike around town.
Ron Chavez – Housing, HECM and Post-Purchase Counselor
Ron has over 7 years experience as a housing counselor. With over 18 years of total lending experience he offers expert advice for potential homeowners. Ron is also an AARP Certified Reverse Mortgage Counselor and manages the Home Buyer Training program.
Maria Horta – Certified Housing Counselor and Trainer
Maria grew up in a small town in Northern Texas. She moved to Santa Fe in 1994. Maria has been a Housing Counselor at the Housing Trust since 2006. Before coming to the Housing Trust, she worked as a collector for JK Collections. Maria has also worked for the Santa Fe Public Schools as a bilingual teachers assistant. Maria also has 7 years experience working for Century Bank. When not at work, Maria enjoys dancing and being surrounded by family and friends.
Amanda Chavez – Office Manager
Amanda grew up in Las Vegas, New Mexico. She has held a number of administrative positions including with the State Department of Taxation and Revenue. In her spare time Amanda enjoys camping, hiking and fishing with her family.
Michael Smith – HOPWA Consultant
Since moving to Santa Fe from New York City in 1992, Michael has been involved with many local and statewide AIDS Service Organizations. Michael was one of the founders of the Northern New Mexico People Living with AIDS Coalition and served as its Executive Director for two years. Michael has also served on the Santa Fe CARES Board of Directors, HIV-Coordinating Council’s Steering Committee, Governor’s AIDS Task Force, and still serves on the Southwest CARE Clinic’s Community Task Force/Advisory Board and AID & Comfort Board of Director. Michael is the author of the Phoenix Rising HIV/AIDS Re-entry Resource Guide that helps individuals with HIV/AIDS to address return to work and re-entry issues and to re-engage in life. In his spare time Michael enjoys traveling and ballroom dance.
