Mary Alar, CHPEW
Mary Alar, CHPEW, is a Senior Project Manager and Estimator based in Houston, Texas, specializing in healthcare construction and capital renovation projects within fully operational clinical environments. With nearly two decades of experience in construction—more than ten of those dedicated to healthcare—she is recognized for delivering complex, multi-phased projects where precision, regulatory compliance, and patient safety are critical.
Mary oversees a diverse portfolio ranging from targeted infrastructure upgrades to large-scale, multi-million-dollar renovations. Her expertise spans preconstruction planning, cost estimating, infection control, life safety compliance, scheduling, and stakeholder coordination. She is particularly adept at executing projects in occupied healthcare settings, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations while maintaining the highest regulatory standards.
Her career began in banking and finance immediately after high school before she transitioned into construction in 2006. In 2014, she entered the healthcare construction sector as an Assistant Project Manager and decided to transition into a superintendent role, leading field operations and subcontractor coordination across both public and private hospital systems throughout Texas. Since 2019, she has focused on senior project management, leading projects from preconstruction through completion with a disciplined, detail-oriented approach.
A Certified Healthcare Physical Environment Worker (CHPEW) through the American Society for Health Care Engineering, Mary remains actively engaged in continuing education and industry advancement. She is known for her accountability, organization, and client-focused leadership style, as well as her commitment to mentoring emerging professionals—particularly young women entering the construction industry.
Mary credits several key mentors for shaping her career, including Abraham Joseph, who introduced her to healthcare construction and recognized her early potential; Jeff Ryall, who expanded her leadership across both field and project management; and Will Roddy, whose support helped foster her growth in project leadership and business development.
Outside of her professional work, Mary is a proud mother to her adult child. She enjoys traveling, riding motorcycles and horses, and spending time on her property with her two dogs—embracing a lifestyle that reflects both independence and balance.
• OSHA 30
• ICRA Infection Control Certifications
• Certified Health Care Physical Environment Worker
• ASHE
• Dog and Horse Rescue
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to having the courage to pivot—leaving a career in banking and finance to pursue a path in construction that better aligned with my strengths and who I am at my core. That decision ultimately led me to healthcare construction, where I found a true fit. The discipline, attention to detail, and strict infection control standards required in active medical environments closely reflect my own approach to work.
Building in spaces where patient lives are directly impacted brings a heightened sense of responsibility. It’s not just about delivering a project—it’s about precision, accountability, and doing things the right way every single day.
One of my proudest achievements is earning a Senior Project Manager role overseeing multi-million-dollar projects—without a college degree. My path wasn’t traditional, and it certainly wasn’t easy, but through persistence, consistency, and proving my capabilities in the field, I built a reputation that continues to open doors. For me, success has never been about the conventional path—it’s been about showing up, putting in the work, and letting results speak for themselves.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that success and fulfillment are not mutually exclusive—you don’t have to choose between building a meaningful career and loving what you do. The two can, and should, go hand in hand. When you align your work with your values and passion, you not only create a path that’s sustainable for yourself, but you also set an example for others to do the same.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the construction industry is to believe in their ability to succeed and to stay true to who they are throughout their careers. Early on, I was told I would need to adapt to a ‘man’s world,’ but I chose a different path. I refused to suppress my passion or emotion, and instead recognized those qualities as strengths.
You don’t have to change who you are to succeed in this industry. In fact, your authenticity, your perspective, and your drive are exactly what set you apart—and what will ultimately define your success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe one of the biggest challenges facing our industry is the lack of young people entering it—especially women. Construction is such a fast-paced environment, and too often it becomes a sink-or-swim culture that pushes the next generation away before they’ve had the chance to truly get started.
That’s why I’m so passionate about mentorship. I want the younger generation to see that they belong here—that they can succeed, grow, and build long, successful careers in this industry. When we create that support and visibility, we don’t just open doors for individuals—we strengthen the future of the industry as a whole.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me—both in life and in my career—are authenticity, honesty, and integrity. I believe deeply in staying true to who you are and bringing genuine passion into everything you do. For me, emotion isn’t something to separate from work; it’s what fuels it. Passion is the driving force behind meaningful results, and without it, I won’t do it.
I also feel a strong responsibility to give back. Whether that’s advocating for neglected animals or mentoring the next generation in construction, I believe in stepping up and making a difference where you can. Too often, people feel pressured to fit into a ‘one attitude fits all’ mold to succeed—but that hasn’t been my experience. You can lead with your values, stay grounded in who you are, and still build a strong, successful career.
