Barbara Boylan’s career path proves that she has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Her work in the real estate sector has always been high-profile and political by nature.
She has 30 years of industry experience, including construction, permitting, design and architecture in both the public and private sectors.
As vice president and regional executive at Skanska USA’s New England office in Boston, Boylan assists clients with building-related challenges that fall outside typical construction management and general contractor relationships, such as program management and green consulting.
Before joining Skanska earlier this year, Boylan served as vice president of design and construction at Boston Global Investors (BGI). During her time at BGI, she worked as a key liaison with federal and state officials, as well as neighborhood civic associations.
Boylan was also involved in the planning for major local development projects, such as Seaport Square, a $3.5 billion project consisting of 6.3 million square feet and spanning 23 acres on South Boston’s waterfront – the largest undeveloped site in the city.
Prior to her role at BGI, Boylan served for 12 years as director of design for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). She was responsible for design oversight of the $500 million annual capital program that focused on reinvestment in the infrastructure of America’s oldest subway.
“My work at Skanska is the culmination of my previous experiences – a perfect fit where I can use my passion for architecture and building great projects as part of an expert construction team,” she said. “Skanska’s excellent track record in city building and willingness to take on complex projects has created an environment where my experience and expertise can come together.”
In her short time at Skanska, she has already secured several high-profile projects, including the Stetson Library renovation at Williams College and the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) hub. The Stetson Library project is a $60-million renovation to the cornerstone of the academic institution. The project represents the largest construction and renovation site on the Williams College campus in recent memory.
The Worcester Regional Transit Authority hub will revolutionize public transit in Worcester. The job will move the bus transfer station from its current location in the congested area near Worcester City Hall to the revamped and historic Union Station. The proposed program for the new facility includes an eight-slip bus transfer platform, public waiting area, and space for various WRTA offices. The new transfer station will increase comfort and safety for passengers, increase utilization of Union Station and play an essential role in the efforts to revitalize Worcester.
“I love the diversity of my projects, which range from institutional to transportation to healthcare,” she said.
“I truly value the company’s commitment to workplace safety and sustainability through innovative green building initiatives,” she added. “I look forward to the work ahead.”
Paul Hewins, general manager and executive vice president for Skanska USA’s New England region, said: “Barbara is one of the most motivated, intelligent and hard-working people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Her dedication and commitment to her work and her colleagues has solidified her standing as a highly respected professional working in the real estate and development space.”
Boylan is a member of the American Institute of Architects and serves on the Boston Society of Architects Ethics Committee. Her professional real estate organization memberships include: Urban Land Institute, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties and New England Women in Real Estate.
Boylan’s public service efforts include serving on the advisory board of the Greater Boston Salvation Army and on the town of Winchester’s Disability Access Commission.
She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s of Science in architecture studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
