CONNOLLY DEVELOPMENT VENTURES
We are a boutique real estate development group focused on urban centers and mountain towns, skipping pretty much everything else in-between.
GET INVOLVED
Interested in getting involved in some of these projects? At this time, we only utilize "friends and family" investment but we are always looking to make new friends. We'd love to get coffee and discuss your interests.
THOMAS CONNOLLY
KELSEY GAINES
Thomas cut his teeth in real estate after graduating college and landing an entry level position in Asset Management. After rising through the ranks and managing a team of asset managers, Thomas decided to make the move back to Chattanooga where he worked as a Sr. Investment Associate with one of the most active hospitality developers in the United States. After spending several years gaining valuable experience, Thomas went out on his own to focus on innovative infill development opportunities. ​
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When not doing all things real estate, Thomas enjoys spending time with his family, travels out west, fly fishing, taking out the RV, and watching various sports (go vols, mocs, and cfc!).
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Thomas holds a B.S. from University of Tennessee - Chattanooga and M.B.A. from Georgia State University. He also maintains a real estate license in Tennessee and Georgia.
Kelsey is the Director of Development at Connolly Development Ventures.
She started her career at the Tennessee Valley Authority as a Civil Engineer in Dam Safety. In 2017, she transitioned into real estate development at Hutton as a Development Project Manager. In this position, she coordinated over 20 commercial development projects from conception through grand opening. The last two years at Hutton, Kelsey formalized the asset management platform and guided strategic asset and portfolio-level discussions with the executive team as the Director of Asset Management. Kelsey was excited to join Connolly Development Ventures in 2021 to work on local projects in the city she loves.
Kelsey loves exploring the outdoors with her husband, Jimmy, and spending time with her cats. She is an active board member for the Northside Neighborhood House.
Kelsey holds a B.S in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee- Chattanooga and a M.B.A from Tennessee Technological University. Kelsey has followed her passion in sustainability and received a Green|Leader Certification and is a LEED Green Associate.
SHANNON CONNOLLY
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CHRISTIAN LANGSTON
Shannon focuses on development and project management activities related our Roamstead projects.
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Prior to joining the family business, Shannon was a Category Management Consultant for where she specialized in shopper insights and research. Over the past decade, Shannon has honed her ability to analyze and translate data into actionable insights and compelling stories to inform business decisions. Working with brands like Little Debbie, Gold Bond, Icy Hot, and Bayer, her research and analytics has helped her clients develop merchandising strategy, enhance their brands' portfolio value, and strengthen relationships with their retailer partners like Walmart and Target.
After graduating from UTC, Shannon moved to Atlanta, GA to start her career in the Advertising industry, working with clients like Intercontinental Hotels Group and the St. Joe Company. She then gained several years of experience in negotiations and cost-savings as a buyer for Arby's Restaurant group.
Shannon holds an M.B.A. from the University of Georgia and B.S. from University of Tennessee - Chattanooga.
Christian is primarily the Accounting and Compliance Manager at Roamstead Management but also supports Connolly Development Ventures.
Christian launched her career in accounting immediately after graduating from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA, where she honed her skills in the private sector as a Development and Property Management Accountant. Her journey then led her to a pivotal role in fund management at State Street Global Advisors, providing her with a unique perspective on financial strategy.
In 2020, Christian embraced a new challenge, transitioning into public accounting as a Sr. Assurance Associate. In this role, she spearheaded assurance and advisory engagements, demonstrating her expertise across diverse industries, including LIHTC, renewable energy, and construction.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Christian is thrilled to return to her roots in the Chattanooga area and finds joy in engaging with her community through local sports leagues and volunteer opportunities. Outside the office, she can be found exploring local business and eateries with her partner and two pups.
Christian holds a B.S. in Accounting and Business Administration, and her passion for accounting fuels her ongoing pursuit of professional excellence, currently culminating in her journey toward obtaining her CPA license.