Notable Women in Construction and Design: Kelly Sullivan

Class of 2023

Kelly Sullivan has worn multiple hats on multiple projects in the three years she has been with Gardner Builders in Milwaukee. 

As the local head of strategy and project development, Sullivan has helped the Milwaukee office double its portfolio and staff each year. In 2018, Gardner had no existing projects in Milwaukee, but with Kelly’s leadership, the team has done nearly 200 projects in Milwaukee to date, including Central Standard Distillery’s Crafthouse & Kitchen in downtown Milwaukee and Little Village Play Café in Wauwatosa.

“Kelly has made a tremendous impact as a member of the Milwaukee commercial real estate community. She is quick to make new connections, works very hard at her craft and has great vision for her firm’s growth,” said Vedran Rimarcuk, associate vice president at Old National Bank.

“Construction has one of the highest rates of suicide compared to other industries and can oftentimes be a thankless profession,” said Cailin Rogers, principal at Alta Via Consulting. “It’s through essential community projects, and a person-centric culture, that Sullivan helps demonstrate to the Gardner team that the work they do matters. It’s community. It’s families It’s making our city better and the people in it better.” 

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