Charting New Horizons: Kirstin Brown’s Voyage from Project Junkie to President of Northstar
October 2026
Welcome to Northstar’s article series, “Meet the Partners of Northstar: Guiding Our Strategic Vision & Company’s Success.” As part of Northstar’s 15-year celebration, this series has highlighted the experiences and journeys of the partners who have shaped the company’s trajectory.
We close with Kirstin Brown as we wrap up this chapter and look ahead to Northstar’s 16th-year celebration this month.
A Crossroads of Uncertainty for Kirstin Brown
Kirstin Brown found herself at a crossroads when the economy hit the worst recession in recent history. At the height of her career and at a critical point in her life, with family and financial responsibilities, would starting a new business satisfy her need for constant education, professional growth, financial stability, and career advancement? And could she recover if this didn’t work out? These questions kept her up at night and kept her dreaming during the day. Fortunately, she wouldn’t be doing this alone. Four of her current partners worked with Kirstin at JLL. They, too, grappled with the same questions Kirstin faced. The allure of creating a firm of their own took hold. They had all the traits needed to start a business.
The Formation of Northstar: A Leap of Faith
In 2010, Kirstin joined her three former JLL colleagues to found Northstar Project & Real Estate Services, leaving behind the security of established careers to pursue a shared vision. Despite economic uncertainty and corporate upheaval, they took a leap of faith and built something of their own. Kirstin brought the same skills, mentality, and perseverance that made her successful in her first development job, traits that still define her as a successful entrepreneur.
Driven by a dream to manage projects and client relationships differently, the partners created a client-centric, owner’s project management firm rooted in collaboration. As a key contributor to Northstar’s culture, Kirstin, the only woman among seven partners, fosters inclusivity and shared decision-making, ensuring every voice is heard. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in Northstar’s success.
From Early Beginnings to Industry Pioneers
Kirstin’s journey into commercial real estate began with a pivotal realization early in her career at US Trust. After graduating from Boston University with a finance degree during the economic turmoil of 1991, she was initially unsure of her career path. However, her experiences at US Trust’s real estate-owned department gave her a deep understanding of asset management and exposed her to the complexities of the real estate market. This sparked her desire to further her real estate education and led her to pursue a master’s degree at MIT’s Center for Real Estate.
Later, at Spaulding & Slye, Kirstin immersed herself in major projects, including the iconic Fan Pier development in Boston’s Seaport district. She honed her financial acumen and gained invaluable insights into the development process by contributing to the project’s cost books and pro formas. Her role evolved over time to include cost analysis, design, and entitlement processes, showcasing her versatility and adaptability.
Project Junkies with a Strategic Business Development Approach
As the fifth partner to join Northstar, Kirstin led the firm’s marketing and business development. She recognized that while the Northstar team excelled at project management, they needed a way to sustain and grow the company. Rejecting a traditional sales-driven approach, Kirstin emphasized building authentic relationships and nurturing the Northstar brand. She understood the importance of involving employees from the start to build a strong foundation for long-term success.
From day one, she ensured every team member had the tools and mindset needed for business development. New hires, from project coordinators to senior project managers, were encouraged to network, attend industry events, and build relationships. Kirstin believed that the sooner employees learned how to build relationships with industry peers, the better off they would be. This process involved building a brand, both personal and company-wide. By nurturing these principles, Kirstin continues to empower her colleagues and drive Northstar’s continued success.
A Seamless Transition to Leadership, Embracing Northstar’s Values
In 2024, Kirstin was appointed President of Northstar. Her new role is more than a title change; it marks a strategic transition to the next generation of leaders within the company. This change reflects Northstar’s commitment to a thoughtful, orderly leadership transition to ensure the firm’s future success.
Kirstin’s election as President underscores her deep alignment with Northstar’s values and mission. Having been an integral part of the company since its inception, Kirstin brings proven leadership, dedication, and a fresh perspective to her new role. She emphasizes that Northstar’s values and mission will remain unchanged under her leadership. The firm will continue to be managed by a group of principals working together towards sustained growth, innovation, and continued excellence in owner’s project management.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Kirstin enjoys traveling, taking fitness classes, and spending time with her two sons, one a recent college graduate and the other currently in college. Whether she’s exploring new destinations, working out, or hosting a festive and competitive gingerbread house decorating contest, Kirstin embodies a balanced approach to life and leadership.
Forging Northstar’s Future with Tradition and Vision
With Kirstin at the helm, Northstar is well positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead while continuing its legacy of excellence in owner’s project management. The team remains committed to embracing diverse perspectives, prioritizing mentorship and professional development, and building on the solid foundation Tom Fanning laid. These values, centered on delivering exceptional client service, are ones Northstar’s employees are encouraged to keep in focus.
Thank you for exploring the stories of Northstar’s partners. We look forward to sharing more profiles of the people who continue to shape Northstar’s path and contribute to its ongoing success.
