Kelly O’Brien is the Head of Investments at Wildflower LTD, where she leads capital strategy and portfolio development for one of New York’s most ambitious and unconventional real estate firms. With a sharp eye for opportunity and a decade of experience across real estate investment banking and investment strategy, Kelly brings institutional rigor and entrepreneurial insight to Wildflower’s mission of building at the edge of what's possible.
Prior to joining Wildflower, Kelly was a Vice President in Citi’s Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging Investment Banking Group, where she advised on over $30B in complex transactions. She was a member of the ICSC Next Generation Leadership Network 2022-2024 cohort, consisting of top industry talent under 40 recognized by ICSC Trustees and at-large member nominations. Her earlier roles at MetaProp.vc, Golub Capital, and American Express reflect a unique blend of analytical depth and creative execution, honed across finance, marketing, business development and venture capital.
Kelly holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University, where she won two Division I NCAA National Championships on the women’s rowing team. She began her career writing winning proposals for federal contracts. She brings to every investment a deep commitment to strategy, storytelling, and long-term value creation
Kelly O’Brien is the Head of Investments at Wildflower LTD, where she leads capital strategy and portfolio development for one of New York’s most ambitious and unconventional real estate firms. With a sharp eye for opportunity and a decade of experience across real estate investment banking and investment strategy, Kelly brings institutional rigor and entrepreneurial insight to Wildflower’s mission of building at the edge of what's possible.
Prior to joining Wildflower, Kelly was a Vice President in Citi’s Real Estate, Gaming & Lodging Investment Banking Group, where she advised on over $30B in complex transactions. Her earlier roles at MetaProp.vc, Golub Capital, and American Express reflect a unique blend of analytical depth and creative execution, honed across finance, marketing, business development and venture capital.
Kelly holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and began her career writing winning proposals for federal contracts. She brings to every investment a deep commitment to strategy, storytelling, and long-term value creation.