Meet Michelle: JLG’s CEO Since 2017

Meet JLG Architects' Michelle Mongeon Allen, FAIA, LEED AP, CEO.

July 16, 2025
News

Meet Michelle: JLG’s CEO Since 2017

JLG Architects is led by Michelle Mongeon Allen, FAIA, LEED AP, CEO, who has been with the firm for 25 years. Past President of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and one of Prairie Business Magazine’s Outstanding Women Executives, Michelle charted JLG’s growth from a closely-held partnership to a 100% employee-owned, nationally-recognized design firm — including one of MSN Money’s 50 Most Admired Companies in the US, Inc. Magazine’s 50 Best Places to Work in America, and the 2019 and a two-time ENR Mountain States Design Firm of the Year (2019, 2024).

Known for her commitment to elevating the next generation, Michelle is a frequent speaker at regional and national leadership conferences, including the AIA National Women’s Leadership Summit, and the National Center for Employee Ownership. She is actively engaged in the NDSU Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Alumni Advisory Board, as well as the Dunwoody Architecture Program Professional Advisory Council. Under her guidance and in partnership with universities, JLG developed an innovative professional development program, which earned the 2019 AIA North Central States Region Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm Award.

Michelle drives strategic planning for the firm and several community and professional organizations. During her Presidency, Michelle helped to frame AIA Minnesota’s strategic plan, including its commitment to expand and institutionalize equity, diversity and inclusion training and resources, and as current Chair of the Minnesota Architects Political Action Committee, she has helped structure a 5-year fundraising plan to support advancement of these and other mission-driven industry initiatives.

Awards

Inducted into the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows; 2022
Top Women in Construction Finalist | Finance & Commerce; 2021
Most Admired CEO | Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal; 2022
AIA Minnesota | Presidential Citation (Recognition for service on Executive VP Search Committee); 2015
AIA Minnesota | Presidential Citation (Recognition for service as Convention Chair); 2012
Outstanding Woman Manager | Prairie Business Magazine; 2011
Fargo Diocese | Bishop’s Service Award; 2007
Alpha Rho Chi Medal; 1993
AIA North Dakota | Scholarship; 1992-1993
Floy Lowell Memorial & Award Scholarship; 1992
NDSU Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society | President; 1992-1993
NDSU Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society | Vice President; 1991-1992