Northstar Celebrates 15 Years of Growth, Vision, and Exceptional Service
October 2025
Today, Northstar celebrates a significant milestone, 15 years since its founding on October 28, 2010. This marks a proud chapter in the company’s continued journey of delivering trusted project management services, building lasting client relationships, and cultivating a standout company culture.
Northstar was established because its founders believed the Greater Boston market needed something different: a high-touch, client-focused consulting firm built on trust, collaboration, and results. With that mission and an entrepreneurial spirit, the firm quickly secured its first client, Harvard Real Estate Services. Their vision has grown into something bigger than they could have imagined, forging a new path in owner’s project management
What began as a small, dedicated team in Cambridge has grown into a dynamic, industry-recognized company known for its expertise, culture, and commitment to excellence.
“Our goal from day one was to do things differently, putting clients first, delivering exceptional service, and creating a place where people genuinely want to work,” said co-founder Tom Fanning. “Fifteen years later, that mission still drives us.”
A Track Record of Results
Since its inception, Northstar has partnered with some of the region’s most respected institutions, including Harvard University, Akamai, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, American Campus Communities, Dartmouth College, Sanofi, Biogen, Boston Children’s Hospital, BioMed Realty, MITMCo, AEW, Shire, Takeda Pharmaceutical, TripAdvisor, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and many others.
The firm has also expanded beyond Greater Boston, managing projects across New York, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and other growing markets.
Along the way, Northstar’s work has earned recognition from top industry organizations such as CoreNet New England, Professional Women in Construction, Boston Business Journal, CREW Boston, New England Real Estate Journal, Banker & Tradesman, Engineering News-Record, Connect CRE, and the Boston Real Estate Times.
More Than Just Projects
While the projects and awards tell part of the story, the heart of Northstar has always been its people and its strong culture, defined by what’s known internally as The Northstar Way.
This approach emphasizes safe, predictable outcomes, outstanding service, detailed and proactive communication, and collaboration that draws strength from diverse perspectives and shared accountability. Beyond project work, this culture has been strengthened through office moves, Run of the Charles races, family fun extravaganzas, Tough Mudders, ski trips, the COVID-19 challenges, and more than a few legendary anniversary and holiday celebrations.
Northstar has also grown by welcoming new leaders, partners, shareholders, and many exceptional employees who are shaping its future while staying grounded in the values that launched the firm.
Looking Ahead
As Northstar commemorates 15 years since launching on October 28, 2010, the company remains deeply committed to the vision that started it all: delivering exceptional results for clients while fostering a workplace where people collaborate, grow, and thrive.
“The projects and awards are part of our story, but the heart of Northstar has always been our people,” said co-founder Anthony Warren. “Their dedication, professionalism, and the culture we’ve built together are what truly define who we are.”
With a solid foundation, a strong team, and a shared purpose, Northstar is ready to continue building for the future, carrying its legacy forward while embracing new opportunities.
As President, Kirstin Brown is leading Northstar into our next chapter, well-positioned to navigate new opportunities while continuing the firm’s legacy of excellence in owner’s project management. Under her leadership, the firm remains deeply committed to embracing diverse perspectives, fostering mentorship and professional growth, and building on the solid foundation established in our early years. “Our values have always been rooted in delivering exceptional service to clients, says Kristin Brown. “That commitment continues to shape Northstar’s culture and drive our people forward.”
“Watching this company grow while staying true to our values has been the most rewarding part of the journey,” said co-founder Dave Girard. “Fifteen years ago, we had a vision of what Northstar could be, but it’s the team that brought it to life.”
So, this week, as we reflect on everything we’ve accomplished since 2010, we raise a glass to the journey, to the people who made it possible, and to what’s ahead.
Here’s to 15 years of Northstar—and the next chapter still to come.
Cheers!
Northstar’s Leadership Team
Jason Atwood, Kirstin Brown, Lee Burneson, Tom Fanning, Dave Girard, Dan Govoni, Lisa Hamilton, Jim Hogan, Natasha Marcuard, Chris Packard, Andy Touchette, John Townsend, and Anthony Warren
