Initially aspiring to be a biomedical engineer, Melissa Clark pivoted to finance and accounting, earning degrees in management accounting and an MBA from Alverno College. Her entrepreneurial spirit earned her recognition early on, including Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award in 2007. More recently, Crain’s Chicago Business named her among its notable Black leaders and executives of color in finance.
Since joining Primera Engineers Ltd. in 2015 as controller, Clark has played a pivotal role in its transformation, and now serves as the senior vice president and chief financial officer. Founded in 1987, Primera is a full-service engineering design and consulting firm recognized for its expertise across diverse disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, structural and civil engineering. As one of the largest certified women-owned business enterprises in the region, Primera remains committed to delivering dynamic designs, innovative technologies and exceptional service.
In her current roles, Clark’s accomplishments include automating nearly all financial processes, making the firm 99% paperless, and successfully managing the internal acquisition of the company from its retiring co-founders in 2016. She later facilitated the transition to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), tripling the firm’s stock value in just five years. These efforts have earned Primera recognition as a rapidly growing company, with annual revenue growth averaging 21.5%, peaking at 24.9% in 2023.
A dedicated advocate for innovation and efficiency, Clark spearheaded Primera’s adoption of open-book management principles and introduced advanced tools like Copilot to enhance productivity. Her leadership extends to strategic market expansion, including the acquisition of a woman-owned engineering firm in Colorado and significant investments in regions like Texas and Georgia. Through these initiatives, Clark has positioned Primera to surpass $100 million in revenue and grow its workforce to over 500 employees within the next five years.
Beyond her professional achievements, Clark’s commitment to community impact is evident through her involvement with organizations like Youth Guidance, Green City Market and The Evolved Network. As treasurer of the Primera Foundation, she champions STEM education and scholarships, fostering the next generation of engineers.
Clark credits her success to her passion for continuous learning, her drive to mentor others and her unwavering focus on emotional intelligence. “I find it beneficial to learn from different industries and consider how their practices can be adapted to enhance my team’s performance,” she said. “I cultivate an environment where my team feels free to express their frustrations and propose solutions, and I consistently motivate others through both my words and actions. Demonstrating to my team that I am committed to their professional growth—while witnessing their development—is what keeps my own passion alive.”