MCL Construction Adds Strategic Strength with New Hires Ellie Barko and Greta Shanahan

MCL Construction welcomes two highly accomplished professionals into newly created leadership roles that will play a pivotal part in advancing the company’s strategic vision and operational excellence. ​

Ellie Barko joins as Program Manager, while Greta Shanahan takes on the role of Knowledge Network Integrator. Together, they bring deep expertise and bold energy to our growing company committed to innovation, collaboration, and delivering outstanding experiences for clients and project teams. ​

Ellie Barko

Ellie Barko brings more than 18 years of experience across the construction industry to MCL, having worked in roles ranging from estimator and project manager to superintendent and technology integrator. In her new position as Program Manager, she will lead projects from the earliest phases of planning through completion—serving as a strategic partner to clients, design teams, and construction personnel alike. 

“This role is about seeing the whole picture,” Barko said. “Every decision—from design to material selection—impacts cost, schedule, constructability, and team performance. I’m here to ensure all those elements align so that the client gets the best possible value and experience.” 

Managing Principal Tony Fucinaro called Barko a “high performer” who is widely respected throughout the industry. 

“Ellie has a stellar reputation—not just for what she builds, but how she builds it,” Fucinaro said. “We didn’t want to limit her to a narrow role. Her expertise touches so many aspects of our work, and her leadership will help us deliver more consistent, high-quality outcomes for every client.” 

For Barko, the role is also about championing the people who build the work every day. 

“Our project teams live on their own islands sometimes,” she said. “It’s important they’re seen, supported, and equipped to succeed. This role gives me the chance to ensure every team starts off on the right foot and is aligned with MCL’s values and expectations.” 
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Barko's goal is simple: ensure that every owner, regardless of project size, walks away from their experience with MCL knowing they received maximum value, thoughtful execution, and a final product they’re proud of. 

Greta Shanahan

In a role that reflects MCL Construction’s forward-thinking culture, Greta Shanahan has been named the company’s first Knowledge Network Integrator—a new position created to connect, align, and drive forward the many cross-functional teams working to innovate and improve company operations. 

“It’s a dream opportunity,” Shanahan said. “This role didn’t exist before, which means I get to build it. MCL gave me the chance to take on a challenge that directly impacts how the company learns, grows, and executes. That’s exciting.” 

Shanahan comes to MCL with a diverse background that includes leadership in business growth and development for trade companies, building out HR systems, and more than a decade in mental health and child welfare. She’s no stranger to the building world—but sees her role at MCL as something unique. 

“This is about managing change the right way,” she explained. “You can have great ideas and great people, but if you don’t connect the dots and execute, you stall out. I’m here to make sure ideas don’t die in meetings—they move forward, connect with other initiatives, and actually make an impact.” 

Fucinaro described Shanahan as the “bridge-builder” between MCL’s internal networks—groups that focus on areas such as strategy, leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement. 

“We are already seeing the impact our current networks are making in the organization, but s we grow, we’re launching more of these networks to push forward big ideas,” he said. “Greta will take our networks to the next level. Her job is to make sure we're aligned, collaborative, and ultimately more effective.” 

Shanahan sees that as vital to long-term growth. 

“At the end of the day, growth only happens if you do change management well,” she said. “That means connecting people and ideas at every level—from top to bottom—and making sure we’re all rowing in the same direction.” 

With these two hires, MCL Construction continues to evolve in ways that reflect its commitment to quality, consistency, and culture. The roles are forward-facing, rooted in deep industry experience, and designed to elevate both client experience and internal performance. 

“They make us better immediately—and they’re going to help us grow in smarter, more intentional ways,” said Fucinaro. 

As MCL enters a new era of growth and opportunity, both Barko and Shanahan are excited to help shape its future. 

“It’s rare to find a company that’s growing fast but still values doing things the right way,” said Barko. “That’s what made me want to be here.” 
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“The integrity of MCL is what drew me in,” Shanahan added. “And the chance to build something that hasn’t been done before? That’s just the icing on the cake.” 

About MCL Construction 
The needs of a community are constantly evolving. The construction journey to meet those needs is filled with complexity and issues people may not see coming. From concept through activation, MCL guides our partners with an innovative, tailored, and clear approach. We did this because there is no better feeling than being valued for changing communities and lives for the better.     ​