Brett Kelly

Brett C. Kelly is an accomplished executive with three decades of leadership experience in real estate, transportation, and public-private infrastructure development. He is known for his ability to navigate complex, politically nuanced environments while building strategic partnerships that drive both business success and community impact.

Currently Vice President of Development at HMSHost—the industry’s leading airport concessions operator—Brett manages key client relationships across the United States and supports long-term development planning within one of the most dynamic sectors in travel hospitality.

Prior to joining HMSHost, Brett served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Fraport USA. In that role, he oversaw six airport programs generating approximately $500 million in annual sales, leading initiatives focused on operational performance, stakeholder engagement, and financial growth.

He previously spent 15 years at General Growth Properties, one of the country’s largest retail REITs. As Vice President, he led a 42-person leasing team responsible for $150 million in annual revenue and launched a national occupancy strategy that aligned leasing performance with sales goals to improve net operating income.

Brett is also a dedicated civic leader. He serves as Board Chairman of the Ross Kelly Foundation, which has raised nearly $100,000 to support stroke rehabilitation and recovery, and as Board Treasurer for the Greater Baltimore Urban League, helping guide strategic and financial initiatives that advance equity and opportunity.

He holds a BA in English Literature and an MBA from Western Governors University and is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt and ICSC Leasing Specialist.