Anjela Salyer

President

Mattamy Homes, Tucson Division

By Sovay Hansen

Anjela Salyer is nothing if not down to earth, even in her position as president of Mattamy Homes Tucson Division, the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America.

In leading her team, Salyer describes her grounded approach: “I am regularly connecting with all departments and team members. Staying in tune with our office and field teams is imperative,” she said. I prioritize the staying close to the front lines, making sure I am astute to what our team needs, and what our customers seek.” 

Given her commitment to working shoulder-to-shoulder with her team, it makes sense that Salyer was the second employee hired when the new Tucson division of Mattamy Homes launched in 2014. 

She started as director of sales and marketing and was promoted to the role of VP/division manager in June 2019. She was named president in 2021.

Salyer leads by rolling up her sleeves and getting her hands dirty in all facets of her team’s work: land acquisition, land development and homebuilding. It’s no wonder Mattamy’s Tucson operations have surged to a top market position.

“I encourage people to make mistakes as long as we learn from them,” said Salyer, who views mistakes as lessons learned on the road to collective improvement – an important trait in an effective leader, since it empowers people to take thoughtful risks. 

Salyer’s leadership style creates a sustainable work environment for her team, which aligns well with Mattamy Homes’ own sustainability goals. The company’s slogan reads, “For those who want to build a better world.” It has committed to building environmentally sustainable homes through the creation of energy-efficient houses; the use of water-efficient appliances; and reduction in building-related waste, among many other climate-conscious ambitions. 

Pete Skelly, retired CEO of Mattamy Homes U.S., heralded Salyer’s inclusive leadership style.

“It is her ability to bring people together and foster collaboration that makes her truly remarkable,” said Skelly. “She has a unique talent for recognizing strengths, designing collaboration that plays to her teammate’s strengths, encouraging growth, and turning challenges into opportunities.”

Salyer truly empowers everyone to deploy their unique skillsets not in a void, but within the embrace of true teamwork. When asked what she sees as the marks of a good leader, Salyer reaches for a scrap of paper on which she’d been taking notes for a mentorship program she is designing at Mattamy.

“Kind, supportive, and available,” Salyer said. 

Because while being kind and supportive is one thing, being available requires actually being in the room, ready to serve.