MaryEllen grew up in the press box booth at County Stadium while her father announced for the Milwaukee Braves and then Brewers. She developed a love for sports and to this day loves the sound of the crack of the bat and the taste of brats and beer. After obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin, she headed to the land of sunshine and warm weather, Los Angeles.

There she was introduced to the field of advertising and marketing, obtaining a Business and Marketing Degree from Pepperdine University and an Advanced Advertising Degree from USC. Tapped as Account Supervisor for accounts such as Ericsson Telecommunications, Hughes Corporation, and Princess Cruises, she rose to Vice President of New Business Development at a few of the major advertising agencies (Young & Rubicam, NW Ayer, and D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles) during the 15 years she lived there.

During a getaway vacation to Santa Fe in 1992, MaryEllen fell in love with the history, culture, and quiet lifestyle and never returned to Los Angeles. She opened her own firm, Collins Forte Marketing & Advertising, and ran that agency for 26 years. Her firm specialized in all aspects of real estate and tourism; from residential developers and builders to real estate firms and resorts and hotels.

”My love for Santa Fe began with an evening walk down Canyon Road. Everything about this wonderful town drew me in and has never let me go.” MaryEllen understands the importance of honest relationships and open, consistent communication. Being self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to understand client needs and emotions, she’s a perfect fit in real estate.

Community Involvement
When MaryEllen is not hiking the Northern New Mexico mountain ranges with her Husky/Border Collie dog, Tux, she’s volunteering her personal time and financial resources to non-profit animal and Native American organizations throughout Northern New Mexico.

Currently an acting Board Member for Silver Bullet Productions, which supports the use of filmmaking as the vehicle for positively impacting education and supporting the cultural preservation of tribal communities. Past Board Member of the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, Past Board Member of the Española Humane Society, and Past Board Member of the New Mexico Wildlife Center. Current supporter of The Horse Shelter, a sanctuary for New Mexico’s abandoned and neglected horses.