Congratulations to Melissa Clark, Primera Controller, for being selected as part of Crain’s Chicago Business 2022 Notable Executives of Color in Finance. Melissa was one of several executives in the finance industry honored for their successes and accomplishments, including the encouragement of the advancement of marginalized communities and the promotion of inclusive practices in the workplace. Winners were chosen based on the ability to inspire and advocate for positive change within their organizations.

Melissa’s expertise is the result of 26 years in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, seven of which have been with Primera. As the firm’s Controller, she leads all aspects of the corporate accounting and finance functions with a primary focus on strategic planning, budgeting, financial analysis, process improvement, and cash management. Day-to-day, Melissa is not only responsible for the overall financial well-being of the firm, but she is also dedicated to mentoring her team as they successfully manage accounting and finance efforts.

Since 2020, Melissa has also served as a committed co-chair of Primera’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. She works closely with other members of the Executive Management Team (EMT) and HR to provide a supportive and welcoming workplace environment for employees by developing programs and policies that promote our values. As a part of this venture, Melissa has helped spearhead a company-wide DEI analysis and data audit across the employee lifespan to better understand employee experiences and make tangible improvements to create a more inclusive workplace. Currently, she has a hand in making improvements in areas of hiring, equitable compensation and promotions, leadership building, and company-wide DEI education.

In addition to efforts within Primera, Melissa is active in organizations across the industry and area. She currently serves on the CFO Leadership Council Steering Committee (previously co-chair of Chicago Chapter); the Advisory Board for CXO Now, a national organization for executive women; is Board Treasurer for Green City Market overseeing the Finance Committee and sitting on the Executive Committee; is newly elected Board Treasurer for Urban Growers Collective; is Treasurer of the Primera Foundation and member of the Events & Sponsorship Council; and is a member of the Black MBA Association, the Institute of Management Accountants, and Chicago United.

We’re proud of Melissa’s accomplishments and would like to congratulate her, and the rest of the 2022 group, on this honor. To read more click here.

Crain’s Chicago Business is a regional business publication from Crain, one of the largest privately owned business media companies with 21 leading business, trade and consumer brands in North America, Europe and Asia. It is a top source of news, analysis and information on business in metropolitan Chicago for decision-makers in the private and public sectors.