Mary Ellen Mack, PE is Primera’s leading construction project management expert and the firm’s first female construction lead. She plans, directs, executes, and consults on a wide range of transportation construction projects. Excited to shift gears after her retirement from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Mary was ready to expand and share her ingenuity. “I love the positive atmosphere at Primera,” she said. “Everyone works well together and collaborates to get the job done.” Mary Ellen joined Primera after a 30-year career with IDOT where she worked as a resident engineer managing everything from major expressway projects to smaller, federally funded Village projects. She has extensive knowledge with road and bridge construction including new bridges, PCC and HMA paving, non-special waste, earth excavation, utilities, and pedestrian pathways.
Mary Ellen studied Civil Engineering at Bradley College where she was the only woman in her graduating class and earned her Bachelor of Science degree. In 2003, she spearheaded a new 40-year pavement design for I-290 near Woodfield, IL, where she was honored with the Statewide Engineer of the Year Award from IDOT for her role in this large construction project.
Mary Ellen is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Illinois Association of Highway Engineers. When she isn’t busy managing projects for Primera, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family as well as volunteering at her church.
