Kelly Harrington

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Kelly Harrington has joined September Search Partners as Managing Director, bringing experience in executive search across real assets and financial services. She has led senior-level searches spanning real estate private equity, infrastructure, private credit, and asset management, advising clients on talent strategy during periods of growth, transition, and market dislocation. Prior to joining September, Kelly held roles in talent at Korn Ferry, D.E. Shaw, and Sheffield Haworth. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, where she played Division I lacrosse, and is based in New York. 

• What are three things you do (just about) every day?

  1. Drink 120oz of water

  2. Walk my dog, Chief

  3. Laugh!

• What are three things you wish you did every day?

  1. Sleep eight hours

  2. Spend time outdoors

  3. Be with friends

• Who do you go to for advice and why?

  My husband, Michael. He has a rare ability to steady my thinking without ever shrinking my ambition. As two former college athletes under the same roof, we’re fierce competitors, constantly pushing each other to work hard, question everything, and take risks.

• What is most important to you about where you work?

  The people I get to work with every day. They challenge how I think, do the right thing even when it’s hard, and lead with generosity and integrity. And doesn't hurt that they have a strong sense of humor.

• What do you love about what you do?

  I love the range. On any given day, I step into the roles of investigator, counselor, confidante, subject matter expert, and trusted advisor – and somehow get to call it work.

• What’s one book you often return to or recommend? Why?

  I don’t return to it often and always recommend it with great caution, but the most impactful book I’ve ever read is A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. No other piece of literature has better captured the idea that you never truly know what someone else is going through – a reminder I try to carry with me daily.

• Where is your happy place?

  The short, fleeting, delicious stretch we call summer.