Keaton Merrell is a managing director of Capital Markets | Real Estate Finance at Walker & Dunlop and is based in Phoenix, Arizona. In this role, Merrell is responsible for nationwide loan origination and focuses on financing multifamily, build-to-rent, office, retail, and industrial properties. He has more than 28 years of commercial real estate experience and has originated more than $7 billion in loans throughout his career.

Prior to joining Walker & Dunlop, Merrell served as co-founder and principal of Legacy Capital Advisors and has been active in the Phoenix market since 1998. His work focused on capital advisory services including mortgage banking, mortgage brokerage, and direct mortgage lending. Throughout his career, he has served as a direct Fannie Mae DUS lender and Freddie Mac seller and servicer and has represented national life insurance companies, HUD lenders, and structured finance capital sources.

Merrell earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. He serves on the board of directors for Treasure House and sits on the boards of the Sun Angel Foundation and the Three Butterflies SIDS Foundation. He is also a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks, and the Urban Land Istiture.