Melanie Jefferies Named a 2026 Chicago Titan 100

Melanie Jefferies Named a 2026 Chicago Titan 100

Chief Operating Officer at Chicago engineering firm honored as one of the city’s top business leaders 

CHICAGO, IL (November 13, 2025) — Melanie Jefferies, chief operating officer of engineering services and principal of Milhouse Development, has been named a 2026 Chicago Titan 100. This prestigious program honors 100 of the region’s top CEOs and C-level executives who demonstrate vision, integrity, and a commitment to creating lasting impact in their industries and communities. 

As a leader at Milhouse, Jefferies oversees a $40 million portfolio across the firm’s seven business lines: power, aviation, transportation, gas, civil, facilities, and program management. During her tenure as Chief Operating Officer, she has reshaped Milhouse’s internal infrastructure, leveraging her background as a certified Program Management Professional to support expansion in new geographic markets, improve project outcomes, and elevate internal operational processes. 

Throughout her career, she has built a reputation as a champion for diversity and inclusion across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, mentoring young women through the WTS International Chicago Chapter and serving on the boards of Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and Milhouse Charities, the firm’s non-profit branch that has invested over $1 million in STEM education, school improvements, and community partnerships nationwide. 

In 2019, she co-founded Milhouse Development to lead real estate projects that advance economic mobility and community investment. Today, the firm’s portfolio is valued at more than $20 million. Among its projects is Chicago’s Missing Middle Housing Initiative, which is adding new transit-oriented two-flats and creating homeownership opportunities, and The Grove Bronzeville, a commercial development that will bring new retail, dining, and entertainment options to Chicago’s South Side. The Grove was recently named a finalist for The Chicago Prize, a $10 million grant that supports large-scale community revitalization. 

“I am honored to be recognized as a Chicago Titan 100,” said Melanie. “Chicago is my hometown, and I want our work to reflect the values that make this city strong: hard work, creativity, and a sense of community. Being named a Titan reminds me that leadership means showing up for others and helping our teams and communities succeed together. I am proud to carry that spirit forward as we continue to grow and build the next chapter at Milhouse.” 

Melanie and the rest of the honorees will be officially recognized at the annual Titan 100 celebration on Thursday, February 19^th.  

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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 further information, please contact:      

Elizabeth Wayne, Communications Specialist, Milhouse, ewayne@milhouseinc.com