Armanda Mercado

Armanda Mercado was named Director of Strategic Initiatives in May 2025.

She has more than 15 years of experience in government operations, organizational improvement, and community engagement. She began her career with the Utah Department of Corrections in 2009, working in the Sex Offender and Kidnap Registry Office.

In 2014, she transitioned to Utah Correctional Industries (UCI), where she served as a Lead Audit Manager before being promoted to Correctional Administrator II. In 2023, she was elevated to the position of Deputy Director at UCI.

In addition to her leadership role, Mercado currently serves as a hostage negotiator for the Department of Corrections.

Prior to her work in corrections, Mercado worked for the Department of Human Services, Division of Child and Family Services, where she served as an Investigator specializing in child sexual abuse cases, as well as a Refugee Specialist for the Salt Lake Valley region.

Mercado holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Utah and earned her Master’s degree in Criminal Science with an emphasis in Corrections from Weber State University in 2010.