Leading with Vision: Celebrating Kirstin Brown’s Recognition as a Top Woman in Commercial Real Estate
November 2025
We are proud to celebrate Kirstin Brown, who has been honored by Connect CRE as one of the Top Women in Commercial Real Estate this year. Her recent appointment as President in 2024 not only highlights her significant contributions to Northstar’s long-term strategy but also reflects her unwavering dedication to the people she works with, both clients and team members.
A Vision Built on Relationships
With over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry and an impressive portfolio exceeding $2 billion in complex developments, Kirstin has helped shape some of the region’s most transformative projects, from MIT’s 675-bed graduate housing complex to Northeastern University’s 23-story mixed-use tower at 840 Columbus Avenue, and BioMed Realty’s multi-phase Assembly Innovation Park in Somerville.
At her core, Kirstin is a “project junkie” who believes that real estate is fundamentally about people. This mindset shapes everything she does at Northstar. She loves the work she does, and every project has at least two people on it, and one of them is always a principal or shareholder, ensuring senior-level oversight on every project.
They’re hands-on from day one, deep in the details where ideas take shape and relationships grow. That’s where the real magic happens.
Kirstin’s approach to business development starts with listening, understanding clients’ needs, and aligning strategy, process, and execution to deliver real results. Under her leadership, Northstar’s client relationships have grown into long-term partnerships grounded in trust, transparency, and shared success. As she often says, “Business development isn’t just about winning projects,” Kirstin often says. “It’s about helping clients succeed; when they do, we do too.”
From Start-Up to Sustainable Growth
Kirstin’s journey at Northstar began during one of the toughest economic periods in recent memory. Leaving behind a secure corporate role to team up with three former colleagues to build what was then a small start-up, while being a single mother to two young boys.
Today, 15 years later, Northstar has grown into a thriving, 50+ person firm known for its collaborative culture and client-first mindset. Kirstin’s steady leadership has helped guide the company through a smooth leadership transition, preparing the next generation of Northstar leaders to continue its growth.
Building Culture as a Competitive Edge
Beyond her work in owner’s project management, Kirstin has helped shape Northstar’s culture into one defined by authenticity and mentorship. She leads the firm’s Compass Committee, which focuses on fostering belonging and professional growth, and the Charitable Committee, which partners with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, The Greater Boston Food Bank, and Heading Home.
These efforts reflect Kirstin’s belief that strong teams build strong businesses and that community engagement strengthens relationships inside and outside the company.
Leadership That Lasts
Kirstin’s leadership reflects what makes Northstar successful: thoughtful communication, genuine connections, and consistent follow-through. Whether she’s mentoring project managers, guiding clients through complex decisions, or representing Northstar within the industry, she leads by example and with purpose.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Please join us in celebrating Kirstin Brown for this well-deserved recognition. Her vision and leadership continue to shape not only Northstar’s success but also the success of the clients and communities we serve.
