Darrell Sherman – Taylor Morrison

As Darrell Sherman retires after 16 years as executive vice president, chief legal officer, and secretary at Taylor Morrison, his legacy is already well cemented. Since joining the organization in 2009, Sherman has steered the company through some of its most defining moments—including its 2013 IPO, numerous acquisitions, and forming industry-leading partnerships—all while championing a culture built on integrity, collaboration, and long-term strategic thinking.

Darrell Sherman | Taylor Morrison | EVP, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

Under Sherman’s legal leadership, Taylor Morrison has become one of the most trusted names in homebuilding. The company’s purpose goes far beyond constructing houses—it creates communities where people truly feel at home. With operations in 12 states and 21 major markets, Taylor Morrison continues to lead the industry in innovation, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility. It has earned accolades such as America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder for ten consecutive years, recognition on Forbes’ and Newsweek’s top company lists, and Bloomberg’s Gender Equality Index.

One of Sherman’s proudest professional moments came in 2013, when he helped take the company public. The IPO was a significant achievement, particularly in a still-recovering housing market.

“Taking the company public wasn’t just about raising capital—it was about telling our story and articulating our vision,” Sherman says. That milestone set the stage for years of sustained growth, both organic and thoughtful, team-centered acquisitions.

Sherman’s approach to mergers and acquisitions is deliberate and values-driven. Rather than focusing solely on assets, he and the leadership team prioritize acquiring companies with strong cultures and leadership.

“We’ve grown by bringing in people who make us better,” he often notes. “That’s how you preserve and elevate your culture.”

His demeanor under pressure earns him widespread respect across the organization.

“Darrell is the calm in every storm,” says Todd Merrill, Sherman’s longtime colleague and incoming CLO. “Whether we’re navigating a public offering or integrating major acquisitions, he never loses his composure.”

Sustainability, advocacy, and industry impact

Sherman’s leadership transcends traditional legal responsibilities. In 2019, he spearheaded a groundbreaking partnership with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), positioning Taylor Morrison as a national leader in corporate environmental stewardship. The collaboration led to the creation of certified wildlife habitats, Monarch butterfly gardens, and nature play spaces in communities across the company’s footprint.

“This isn’t about checking a box for a sustainability report,” Sherman explains. “It’s about creating environmentally resilient communities for years to come.”

The partnership’s authenticity even leads NWF to testify on the company’s behalf during entitlement hearings—an uncommon move that reflects the initiative’s credibility.

Sherman also leads efforts to influence affordable housing policy. As the managing member of Taylor Morrison’s Building Strong Business PAC, he helps direct support to candidates advocating for housing affordability and access. His decades-long engagement with the National Association of Home Builders and Leading Builders of America underscores his dedication to systemic improvement in the housing market.

He later was instrumental in establishing the Taylor Morrison Foundation, fulfilling a vision to meet vulnerable populations’ short- and long-term housing needs. One of its notable projects is a community center Sherman helped build at a refugee camp in Calais, France. Designed with approval from French authorities and built with volunteer support, the center became a hub for education and connection for families fleeing war and political unrest.

“The refugees were overwhelmed with gratitude,” Sherman says. “They were touched that a company thousands of miles away cared enough to act.”

Shaping culture through service & compassion

Sherman’s contributions go far beyond legal and philanthropic initiatives at Taylor Morrison. He plays a crucial role in shaping a workplace culture where kindness, civility, and respect are the norm. He approaches leadership with humility and emotional intelligence, offering support in times of crisis and always inviting open dialogue.

“He treats everyone like family,” Senior Paralegal Elaine Stulic says. “During difficult times—especially when we lost our colleague Kristy Boss—Darrell showed us what leadership really looks like. He created space to grieve, to support one another, and to feel connected.”

Sherman’s passion for excellence, advocacy, professionalism, and compassion are hallmarks of the legal department.

“Darrell never raised his voice,” says Mark DeLillo, former Taylor Morrison VP of Risk. “Even when tensions ran high, his calmness set the tone.” That reputation echoes throughout the organization, where employees often describe him as the stabilizing force in turbulent moments.

Team members credit Sherman not just for his legal acumen but for fostering a legacy of empowerment and empathy.

“I’ve learned from Darrell how he starts most conversations with, ‘What do you think we should do?’ He’s a powerful listener and collaborator.” Merrill says. “It creates trust and brings out the best in people.”

Sherman believes a crucial responsibility is building a high-performing team and preparing others to lead. As he transitions out of his position, he expresses confidence in Merrill’s ability to carry the torch.

“One of my career objectives has always been to prepare an outstanding successor and work myself out of a job,” he says. “Todd is ready. He knows the people, the business, and the mission.”

A new chapter of service

After more than 16 years leading Taylor Morrison’s legal function, Sherman embarks on a new mission—literally. He and his wife, Jane, have been called to serve as full-time mission leaders for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Washington state. The three-year assignment reflects his lifelong commitment to service, which began long before his corporate career and continues into this next chapter.

A sixth-generation Arizonan, Sherman comes from a family that helped build early settlements across the territory in the late 1800s. That legacy of community-building informs his worldview and leadership philosophy. He often says Arizona thrived not because of its natural resources alone, but because people chose to take good care of one another.

He carries that belief into his volunteer work with his church and Gathering Humanity, a grassroots organization providing essential support to resettled refugees. Even after completing his missionary service, Sherman plans to remain active in community development and humanitarian aid, focusing on people who need a voice, a home, and a fresh start.

While at Taylor Morrison, Sherman said he was most proud of the company’s foundation.

“We build thousands of home foundations each year,” he notes. “But what matters most is the foundation we’ve built internally—one grounded in integrity, civility, collaboration, excellence, and the Golden Rule. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my remarkable family and extremely talented colleagues at Taylor Morrison who live these values and make this company the finest in the industry.”

As Taylor Morrison continues to grow and evolve, the mark left by Sherman remains unmistakable. Through his advocacy, foresight, and compassion, he has not only helped shape the company’s legal path but has also helped define its thriving culture and structure its successful future.