The Trellis Board of Directors and Executive Leadership is pleased to announce that it has named Michael Trailor as the next President & CEO of Trellis. As a longtime advocate for affordable housing, Michael brings a wealth of leadership experience and truly understands the political landscape surrounding affordable housing and real estate development. Michael succeeds Patricia Garcia Duarte who left the organization in March.
“Our board of directors is thrilled to introduce a leader of Mike’s caliber and talent to our organization,” said Abraham James, board chair of Trellis. “Mike possesses the expertise to take Trellis to the next level in our real estate development efforts, and to continue the legacy that Trellis has had on our community in helping underserved communities achieve the dream of homeownership.”
Michael comes to Trellis from Native American Connections in Phoenix, where he served as the Chief Strategy Officer. Michael also was appointed by Governor Jan Brewer and reappointed by Governor Doug Ducey as Director of the Arizona Department of Housing/Executive Director AzHFA/Chairman of the Board of AZHFPFC from 2009-2017 and served as the Director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security from 2017-2019 upon being appointed by Governor Ducey in May of 2017. He also had a long-distinguished career in home building and urban development.
“I could not be more excited or grateful to accept the position as President/CEO to this well-established and well-loved organization. Trellis is known for its long history of great work in the Valley, with not only a committed group of employees, but has a solid group of dedicated donors and partners,” says Michael. “My goal in leading Trellis is to build on the achievements of the past 47 years by continuing to lead in the homeownership space as we look for creative ways to address the affordable housing challenges facing Phoenix right now.”
Michael’s appointment concludes a two-month national search process completed by the Duffy Group and a search committee, led by board member Bill Scheel. “It was evident to the committee almost immediately that Mike would not only bring valuable experience to the organization, but his leadership style would align very well with the organization, partners, and the communities that we serve,” Scheel says. “As we look to the future, we’re confident that Michael is the right person to lead Trellis as we expand the scope and scale of our real estate development projects and carry on the long legacy of learning, lending and building that Trellis has done so well.”
Michael will assume the role of President/CEO on June 6th, 2022. Please join the Trellis board of directors and leadership welcoming Michael Trailor to the Trellis community.
For more information or to schedule interviews, LIC # BR 564461000, contact Michelle Bell, Director of Resource Development at mbell@trellisaz.org