ENR Names Milhouse COO Melanie Jefferies a 2026 Top 20 Under 40

ENR Names Milhouse COO Melanie Jefferies a 2026 Top 20 Under 40 

CHICAGO, IL (January 8, 2026) — Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. (Milhouse) announced today that Melanie Jefferies, Chief Operating Officer of Engineering Services, has been named one of Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) 2026 Top 20 Under 40 winners. The national recognition is awarded to an elite group of leaders shaping the future of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. 

Jefferies first earned recognition as part of ENR Midwest’s 2026 Top Young Professionals program, an annual honor presented across ENR’s 10 regional editions to spotlight professionals under 40 who are advancing the industry through leadership, career growth, and community involvement. From that regional pool, ENR’s national program is determined through a multi-stage review process. Independent judges evaluate candidates from the regional competitions, then a national panel reviews top-scoring finalists to select the national Top 20 Under 40 honorees from more than 400 total entries. 

“ENR’s Top 20 Under 40 recognition is one of the most competitive honors for leaders in the AEC industry, and Melanie has earned it,” said Wilbur Milhouse III, Chairman and CEO of Milhouse. “Melanie’s leadership has strengthened how we deliver work across the firm and how we develop the next generation of talent. ENR’s recognition reflects the impact she’s already making in our industry, and we’re proud to celebrate her.” 

As COO of Engineering Services, Jefferies guides delivery across Milhouse’s portfolio, working across business lines that support critical infrastructure and community-centered development. Over her time with the firm, she has helped sharpen how teams plan and execute work, using lessons learned to continuously raise performance. Her leadership style is rooted in earning trust through results and in creating opportunities for others by fostering teams that value diverse perspectives. 

“Being recognized by ENR is meaningful because it reflects the direction our industry is heading,” said Jefferies. “The future of AEC depends on leaders who can bring people together, understand the impact behind the work, and deliver projects that serve communities in real, measurable ways. I am proud of what our teams at Milhouse are building, and I hope this recognition helps inspire more young professionals to see themselves as future leaders in this field.” 

ENR is widely regarded as a leading news and information source for the AEC industry, and its under-40 recognition program is designed to spotlight professionals who are helping shape what is next for the built environment. Jefferies’ selection places her among a national class recognized for contributing to how the industry grows talent, advances project delivery, and strengthens communities. 

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About Milhouse 
Milhouse is a full-service engineering and construction firm that delivers superior solutions to complex challenges across the built environment. Guided by a mission to propel a diverse culture of exceptional talent and a vision to be a positive impact, Milhouse partners with clients to design and build projects that transform communities and create lasting value. The firm serves clients across sectors including aviation, transportation, utilities, and facilities. Follow us on LinkedIn. 

For more information: 
Ellen Bremseth, Vice President of Corporate Brand & Strategy, ebremseth@milhouseinc.com