Meet the Development Team: Volunteers of America & MGL Partners

About the Team

Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS) and MGL Partners were selected through the Grand Junction Housing Authority’s Request for Proposals (RFP) process to develop the northwest portion of the Salt Flats site. This partnership will deliver a high-quality, mixed-income rental community for veterans and older adults (age 55+) through 62 affordable apartment units serving households within an average median income of between 30% and 60% AMI.

Together, VOA and MGL bring a blend of mission-driven, service-enriched housing expertise and private-sector development experience—ensuring the Salt Flats community will be both sustainable and inclusive, with a long-term focus on quality design, livability, and resident success.

Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS)

As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit housing and service organizations, Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS) operates over 400 properties nationwide and is recognized for creating service-enriched communities that foster dignity and stability for residents. In Colorado, VOA has developed and manages more than 1,900 units across 28 properties, serving families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness. VOANS has over 360 units and 9 properties on the western slope including Grandview Apartments in Grand Junction. Also, in September, 2025 they opened Rendezvous, a new age 55+ community in Montrose.

For the Salt Flats development, VOANS will lead the supportive housing and resident services component, providing case management, resource coordination, and long-term housing stability supports in collaboration with local partners. Their Colorado team, led by Vice President of Regional Real Estate Doug Snyder, will oversee all phases of development—from financing through construction and through stabilization in conjunction with MGL Partners.

VOA Colorado will also serve as the property management agent under the leadership of Vice Present of Affordable Housing, Cathy Vannerson, who brings more than 35 years of experience in affordable housing management. With an average HUD REAC/NSPIRE score of 97 across its statewide portfolio, VOA maintains a reputation for high-quality, well-maintained housing that prioritizes safety, compliance, and resident satisfaction.

MGL Partners

Founded in 2004, MGL Partners is a Denver-based real estate development firm that has developed or acquired more than $1 billion in multifamily housing throughout Colorado. The firm specializes in market-rate, affordable, workforce, and senior housing, with a strong emphasis on public-private partnerships and creative financing.

For the Salt Flats project, MGL serves as the Turnkey Developer, managing all aspects of design coordination, financing, and delivery for the mixed-income rental community. MGL’s portfolio includes award-winning projects such as Lumien Apartments in Durango, Crisman Apartments in Longmont, and Tammen Hall in Denver—all affordable housing developments that successfully leverage Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and state and federal partnerships.

Leadership Team:

Lisa Mullins, Co-Founder and Principal: Oversees financial and asset management, including tax credit acquisition and compliance, bringing legal and CPA expertise.
Mike Gerber, Co-Founder and Principal: Provides strategic direction and leads acquisition, entitlement, and design.
Greg Glade, Co-Founder and Principal: Oversees finance and new development, with extensive experience structuring complex debt and equity deals.
Dani Vachon, Development Director: Manages new affordable housing construction and consulting projects, with previous experience at Boulder Housing Partners and deep knowledge of LIHTC development.
Rebecca Macey, Development Director: Supports underwriting, budgeting, and state and federal financing strategies, leveraging experience from the Colorado Division of Housing.

General Contractor: FCI Constructors, Inc.

FCI Constructors, Inc., founded in 1978 in Grand Junction, will serve as the general contractor for the VOA-MGL Salt Flats project. A long-standing leader in the construction industry with over 450 employee-owners and eight regional offices, FCI has extensive experience with complex housing and public projects across Colorado and the Western Slope.

Their recent portfolio includes Basalt Riverfront Townhomes, Village Cooperative of Grand Junction, and Two10 at Eagle Ranch, all affordable or mixed-income housing communities of similar size and scope. FCI brings a collaborative, open-book approach to construction management, ensuring quality, transparency, and on-time delivery for Salt Flats.

Special Limited Partner: Grand Junction Housing Authority (GJHA)

The Grand Junction Housing Authority (GJHA) will serve as the Special Limited Partner on the project. Established in 1978, GJHA owns and operates 785 affordable apartments and administers over 1,100 vouchers across Mesa County. GJHA has successfully implemented numerous LIHTC projects—including Village Park, The Highlands, and 2814—and is a trusted partner in developing and managing high-quality affordable housing in the Grand Valley.

With deep community roots and decades of experience, GJHA provides critical insight into local housing needs and ensures the long-term affordability and operational success of the Salt Flats development.

Architect: Shopworks Architecture

Shopworks Architecture is a Denver-based firm nationally recognized for its expertise in affordable and supportive housing, mixed-use infill, and trauma-informed “Dignified Design.” Their portfolio includes projects such as Cadence (Fort Collins), Brandon Courtyard (Denver), Espero Apartments (Durango), and Laurel House (Grand Junction)—all designed to promote dignity, connection, and community.

For Salt Flats, Shopworks will lead architectural design, emphasizing sustainability, accessibility, and wellness-focused spaces that align with Grand Junction’s vision for inclusive, service-oriented development.

A Shared Vision for Salt Flats

Together, Volunteers of America National Services, MGL Partners, GJHA, Shopworks Architecture, and FCI Constructors represent a best-in-class development team committed to creating an equitable, vibrant community at Salt Flats. Their shared goal is to expand Grand Junction’s affordable housing options, integrate high-quality design and supportive services, and build a neighborhood that supports opportunity, health, and long-term stability for all residents.

Learn more about the Volunteers of America & MGL Partners Senior/Veteran Housing Project Here.