Mary Jo Kelly appointed to lead Commercial Leasing Strategy at Sherman Associates

Twin Cities commercial real estate leader joins Sherman to drive leasing and development across mixed-use portfolio

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Oct. 23, 2025) — Sherman Associates announces the appointment of Mary Jo Kelly as Manager of Commercial Leasing and Business Development.

Kelly will lead commercial leasing and support business development across Sherman’s mixed-use and commercial portfolio. She will partner with third-party brokers to originate new leasing opportunities, reduce vacancies, and increase net operating income. Her responsibilities include negotiating leases and renewals, coordinating with internal teams, and ensuring tenant satisfaction across multifamily, hospitality, office, and retail assets.

Kelly will support Sherman’s commercial business line across all markets, with a focus on key regions including the Twin Cities, Des Moines, and Denver. She will work closely with finance, legal, development, and construction teams to align leasing strategies with broader growth goals, and ensure commercial tenants are integrated into new and existing communities.

Kelly brings over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate finance and portfolio management. Her expertise spans deal negotiation and financial structuring across diverse asset classes.

“Sherman Associates has built a strong reputation for delivering impactful, community-focused developments, and I’m excited to be part of that vision,” said Mary Jo Kelly, Manager of Commercial Leasing and Business Development at Sherman Associates. “After years in financial services, I was ready to shift into a role that is more directly involved in shaping commercial spaces and tenant experiences, and in turn support resident experience and community vibrancy. This position gives me the opportunity to apply my financial background to support growth, leasing strategy, and long-term value creation across Sherman’s portfolio.”

Sherman Associates owns and manages over 650,000 square feet of developed commercial space in retail and office assets. Most of these holdings are embedded within mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and public amenities. The company’s commercial portfolio continues to expand through new acquisitions and development projects in urban core markets.

For available commercial spaces, contact Mary Jo Kelly at mkelly@sherman-associates.com or 612-859-2635, or visit the website: https://www.sherman-associates.com/commercial/.

Backgrounder:

Sherman Associates

Sherman Associates is a leader in sustainable commercial real estate development and operations, with a diverse portfolio spanning the Midwest, Colorado, and Florida. Known for delivering complex, high-profile projects through public, private, and nonprofit partnerships, Sherman collaborates with cities to revitalize neighborhoods and transform entire city blocks.

Sherman develops, owns, and operates its assets with a long-term mission of building communities, enriching neighborhoods, and empowering people. The company has developed more than 13,000 multifamily units and currently owns and manages over 7,500 rental units, including both affordable and market-rate housing. Its commercial holdings include more than 1 million square feet of space, along with five hotels, four Starbucks stores, three restaurants, and two solar gardens.