Sara Larson Mercer (she/her)

Sara Larson Mercer has a diverse and extensive work experience spanning multiple industries. Sara is currently employed as a Community Development Manager at the Housing Opportunity Development Corporation, a role they started in 2023.

Before that, Sara worked at the Association Management Center as a Project Manager, starting in 2022. In this role, they provided internal and external management, coordination, and oversight of activities related to business development opportunities and consulting projects. Sara supported business development by drafting and researching client proposals and also planned and prepared project timelines and deliverables.

From 2021 to 2022, Sara worked at Guaranteed Rate as an Affordable Housing Account Manager. Sara'sresponsibilities included assessing affordable housing loan applications for eligibility and creating educational materials for loan officers regarding program requirements. Sara also provided feedback to loan officers to ensure compliance with mortgage regulations.

Prior to that, Sara had a long tenure at Rotary International, starting in 2013. Sara held multiple roles during their time there, including serving as a Regional Grants Officer for Humanitarian Grants. In this role, they managed a multi-million-dollar international development grant funding portfolio and engaged volunteers to ensure positive community outcomes. Sara also oversaw project expenditures, community engagement, and work between project partners. Sara also served as the Housing and School Construction Program Lead, where they led a team in creating construction and program guidelines for international projects.

Before Rotary International, Sara worked as an Intensive Case Manager at ARIZONA'S CHILDREN ASSOCIATION in 2007 and as a Case Manager and Intake Worker at The Salvation Army of Dane County from 2005 to 2007. Sara also worked as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006 and as an Outreach Specialist at TELLURIAN UCAN, INC. in 2004.

Overall, Sara Larson Mercer has a diverse background with significant experience in community development, project management, affordable housing, and grant management.

Sara Larson Mercer (she/her) obtained their Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Welfare from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, completing their education between the years 2000 and 2005. Later, they pursued a Master of Architecture degree with a focus on affordable housing design and policies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 2008 to 2012.