Northstar Promotes Daniel Govoni and Lisa Hamilton to Associate Principal
March 2026
Northstar is taking on new and challenging owner’s project management assignments across the real estate landscape. To support this growth, Daniel Govoni and Lisa Hamilton have been promoted to associate principal in recognition of their proven leadership, client impact, and ability to deliver results across large-scale projects.
Both Dan and Lisa have been with Northstar for nearly 15 years, building long-standing relationships and earning the trust of clients and colleagues through hands-on leadership. Their ability to guide projects from early planning through completion reflects Northstar’s value at every stage of a project.
Dan joined Northstar in 2012 and has played a key role on projects from early planning through completion. He’s contributed to more than $1.7 billion in work across life sciences, residential, commercial, higher education, institutional, utility, and mixed-use sectors. Dan’s ability to break down complicated challenges and keep teams moving forward has made him a go-to resource for clients and colleagues.
Known for his ability to navigate large-scale projects on behalf of sophisticated clients, Dan has built a reputation for delivering results with precision and professionalism. His deep experience across both capital programs and ground-up development reflects the breadth and depth of expertise that defines Northstar’s approach to owner’s project management. His current work includes supporting a research university endowment fund in Cambridge on a ground-up life science and office development in Kendall Square and leading efforts on a new headquarters for TransMedics in Somerville.
In addition to his project work, Dan plays a key leadership role in advancing Northstar’s internal growth initiatives. He helps drive the firm’s training and development strategy, championing a culture of continuous learning and professional advancement. Through his committee leadership, he supports the design and execution of a comprehensive training program that integrates both external expertise and internal knowledge, focused on building the core capabilities that empower employees to excel at every stage of their careers.
Prior to joining Northstar, Daniel held project management roles within the construction industry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Roger Williams University.
Lisa’s career demonstrates a similar depth of experience and leadership. Since joining Northstar in 2011, she has been an integral member of the Northstar team, leading projects and programs scaling over $400 million and 3 million square feet. Her work covers all phases of the project lifecycle, including strategic planning, master budgeting, annual capital planning, large-scale team assembly, program governance, and design and construction administration. Lisa is an advocate for her clients, especially in complex environments where alignment can be challenging. Known for turning challenges into clear, actionable discussions, she helps teams stay focused, make confident decisions, and keep momentum. Her steady, collaborative approach reflects Northstar’s commitment to being detail-oriented and client-focused.
Her portfolio includes projects across commercial, residential, higher education, institutional, and life sciences sectors, with an aggregate volume exceeding $1.5 billion. Today, she is leading a building repositioning initiative in Cambridge for Clarion Partners and overseeing a 220,000 square foot office fit-out for a global software solutions company. Her previous experience includes managing the 500,000 square foot Phase I development at Assembly Innovation Park in Somerville for BioMed Realty. Throughout her career, she has delivered projects that shape how organizations grow, operate, and thrive.
Lisa also plays a key role in advancing Northstar’s brand and market presence through her leadership in marketing initiatives. She plays a central role in promoting the “Northstar Way,” championing efforts that empower employees to cultivate their personal brands while amplifying the firm’s achievements and project impact across the industry. Through her committee leadership, she helps elevate individual visibility and the firm’s collective presence in the marketplace.
Before joining Northstar, Lisa worked as a Resident Engineer and Civil Engineer at PEER Consultants P.C. and CDM Smith. She holds an MBA from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Roger Williams University.
Dan and Lisa’s promotions to Associate Principal reflect the depth of experience and leadership they bring to Northstar,” said Kirstin Brown, President of Northstar. “Both provide exceptional client service and have played key roles in delivering complex projects, managing internal and external project teams to guide their projects from early planning to completion. Their strategic thinking, strong client relationships, commitment to excellence, and contribution to Northstar’s business strategy make them essential to our continued success. We are excited for their leadership as they help shape Northstar’s future.”
As Northstar continues to grow, Dan and Lisa will play a key role in shaping the firm’s next phase. In partnership with the firm’s shareholders, their leadership with our clients will continue Northstar’s commitment to delivering results and building long-term client relationships.
