Lisa Wexler, Elaine Construction

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, ELAINE Construction offers construction 
management, build consulting, and design/build services. Founded by Leo Wexler 
in 1947, ELAINE is now run by the third Wexler generation, Lisa Wexler. 
Lisa is a leader and role model for women and men and is admired for her skill, 
directness, energy, and commitment. Recognizing the difficulties of being a 
woman leader in a male-dominated industry, Lisa has succeeded in establishing 
credibility and building a well-respected organization. She is clearly acknowledged 
as the driving force. 

For nearly 20 years, Lisa has led a variety of construction projects. Her effective 
communication and management skills has been the foundation of ELAINE’s 
enviable reputation for unparalleled personal service and quality workmanship. Lisa 
has been the project executive on fast-track and construction management 
projects for CBS News, Cambridge Associates, Fidelity Investments, Boston 
Medical Center, UBS, Greenberg Traurig LLC, Cornerstone Research and Time 
Warner Book Group. She was honored as one of Boston Business Journal’s “40 
under 40.”  

Lisa views her gender as an asset, not an obstacle. She does not concern herself 
with being an “O” in a sea of “Xs.” Those who come in contact with her see the 
inherent traits and qualities women leaders bring to a situation. 
The construction industry is fraught with conflict. Successful projects require a 
high degree of trust/teamwork. Lisa fosters the importance of collaboration; she 
feels that being a woman, she is better able to admit when she’s made a 
mistake: “I don’t let ego impede the process. I focus on problem resolution, not 
blame. I say, ‘We can be here three hours to decide who’s at fault, or ten minutes 
if we work together to solve the problem?”

Lisa has made significant accomplishments during 2007, including: 
1. New Headquarters
To accommodate the company’s growth (20% revenue growth, 40% growth in 
staff), ELAINE moved into its new headquarters in the historic Hemlock 
Gorge/Echo Bridge mill complex in Newton Upper Falls. ELAINE’s new “home” 
has double the space and amenities for its employees, but more importantly, has 
allowed ELAINE to institute operational and physical changes consistent with its 
plan for controlled growth, and philosophical commitment to the environment.
2. Environmental Leadership 
Lisa has a strong commitment to the environment. ELAINE’s new headquarters 
will receive Gold Level status from U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) formed 
the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, a national 
benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green 
buildings. Additionally, two of ELAINE’s senior managers have successfully 
completed the USGBC’s LEED Accredited Professional program to become 
nationally certified experts of green building best practices and principles as
well as LEED requirements, resources and processes. 
3. WBENC Certification
ELAINE received national certification by the Women’s Business Enterprise 
National Council (WBENC).
Lisa’s philanthropic work is equally impressive. She is a board member of the 
Leventhal Sidman Jewish Community Center and the Mayyim Hayyim Center. She 
actively fundraises for the Boston Ronald McDonald House. In addition, she serves 
on the Board of Directors of the Associated General Contractors of MA.

http://www.elaine.com/docs/may10-07-president.pdf
http://www.elaine.com/docs/june18-07-wbnec.pdf
http://www.elaine.com/docs/pr-09-17-07_leed-cert.pdf

Equally committed to the success of every project and the satisfaction of every 
Elaine client, Lisa plays a pivotal role ensuring that each project is on track and 
receives the necessary resources within and outside the firm. As president, her 
ultimate objective is to see that all project goals are met and that Elaine clients 
receive the highest level of quality and service available resulting in a
professional relationship solidified for years to come.