National real estate development and construction services provider The McShane Companies announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Molly McShane as Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 2020. Ms. McShane previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer.

“During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead The McShane Companies than Molly,” said Jim McShane, company Founder and Chairman of the Board. “Molly is a proven leader with a clear business vision and the ability to bring people together. Her vision for growth and diversification is exactly what The McShane Companies needs as we enter our next chapter.”

Since joining the company in 2002, Molly has spearheaded major strategic initiatives across its portfolio of services, most notably its expansion into new geographic markets and a conscious effort to create a diverse workplace. During her tenure as Chief Operating Officer, the organization posted record growth. Before serving as COO, Molly was Chief Investment Officer – and the first woman to rise to the c-suite leadership level in the firm’s history.

“It is a privilege to be part of an organization that delivers high-quality services and innovative solutions to the best clients. We are committed to developing the most talented professionals into leaders, and we will do our part to improve and give back to the communities in which we operate,” said Ms. McShane. “I am truly honored to have been elected as The McShane Companies’ next CEO and am committed to upholding the principles of ethics and service that have gotten us to where we are today.”

A trailblazer in the construction and commercial real estate industries, Molly was named NAIOP Chicago’s first female President in 2018. She was also a founding co-chair of WLI Chicago’s executive board. Several organizations and publications have recognized her accomplishments. Crain’s Chicago Business has included her on their lists of Notable Women in Construction and Notable Women in Commercial Real Estate. She was also named to GlobeSt.’s Women of Influence Hall of Fame and received Connect Media’s Women in Real Estate Award.

Molly received an undergraduate degree in marketing from Boston College and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Latest News

A Development Philosophy Rooted in Partnership

A Development Philosophy Rooted in Partnership

Written by David Friedman, President For over 40 years, our development philosophy has been shaped by balanced, smart risk-taking and a steadfast commitment to integrity. As an operating company, we join forces with exceptional joint venture partners on our...

3 Keys to Successful Developments

3 Keys to Successful Developments

Sign up for our monthly Business Brief Get insights from our executives, the latest news and trends impacting our industry and construction material pricing delivered directly to your inbox.

Conor Pursuing Opportunities in the Southeast

Conor Pursuing Opportunities in the Southeast

Written by Steven McGee, CCIM, Vice President - Southeast Market Officer The Interstate 85 corridor, from Atlanta to Raleigh, will account for nearly 30 million people and over $1.5 trillion in GDP within the next five years. We believe this economic region, known as...

Common Ground – Winter 2025

Common Ground – Winter 2025

The latest commercial real estate news is here. Find updates on commercial real estate trends, Conor’s projects, and employees. Download PDFSign up for our monthly Business Brief Get insights from our executives, the latest news and trends impacting our industry and...

Molly McShane Named CEO of The McShane Companies

2025 Titan 100

Chief Executive Officer Molly McShane was selected as a 2025 Chicago Titan 100 honoree. The Titan 100 program recognizes the top 100 CEOs & C-level executives who most accomplished business leaders in their industry and demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision,...