James McHugh Construction Co. has hired Natalie T. Pedraza as its new Director of Compliance. Pedraza, of Munster, Ind., is a proven leader in the industry, coming from the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), where she served as Director of Procurement and Business Diversity since 2008. While there, she ensured compliance with MBE/WBE utilization plans on MPEA construction projects. She was also responsible for compliance on all projects and ensured strict adherence to those standards through direct project oversight.

A graduate of DePaul University, she previously worked to improve business operations and compliance programs with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services and with the Chicago Public Schools. Pedraza joins McHugh as it strengthens its commitment to compliance, which has become one of the most complex facets of the construction industry. Among her duties, she will ensure that all McHugh stakeholders are in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. She will also ensure that the company policies and procedures are being followed and she will lead an increased effort to recruit, train and partner with MBE/WBE firms.