R. David Kelly

R. David Kelly has 35 years of investment experience, including both public companies and private partnerships in the financial advisory and real estate development sectors. Over his career he has arranged $50B+ of financial transactions, developed $4B+ in real estate assets, including $500MM+ in public-private partnerships. Mr. Kelly also has significant governance and strategic planning experience, particularly in the public sector.

Mr. Kelly is also the founder and managing partner of StraightLine Partners, alternative investment platforms with investments in real estate, financial services and venture capital. Portfolio holdings include, Croesus and Company, an international real estate advisory firm with over $500MM in AUM; BKL Partners, an alternative small balance lender to real estate investors; and Serra Real Estate Capital, with over $250MM in AUM, which provides capital to rated governmental and corporate borrowers.

Currently, Kelly serves on the boards of directors of Croesus and Company, where he is a founder, Chairman and CEO; TCW Direct Lending VII, where he is lead director, and Invesco’s INREIT real estate platform.

Mr. Kelly served as Chairman of the $150B+ Teacher’s Retirement System of Texas (TRS) from 2007 to 2017, appointed by Governor Perry and reaffirmed by Governor Abbott. He holds the distinction of the longest continuous tenure of any Chairman and presided over the largest increase in fund value, in the systems history. During his term he also served on the Risk Management, Investment Management, Compensation and Policy Committees.

From 2001-2006 Mr. Kelly was a gubernatorial appointee to the Texas Public Finance Authority (TPFA) serving as Chairman from 2002-2006.Kelly’s previous corporate directorships include: Croesus Merchants International Singapore (Special Advisor); Hong Kong-based Everglory Financial Holdings (Chairman); Dubai-based Al Masah Capital Limited.

David is also an active contributor to causes that support education and children’s health and currently sits on the Children Health System of Dallas Plano Governing Board, Investment Committee and Finance Committee. Mr. Kelly also serves on the Advisory Board of Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO).

Mr. Kelly graduated as a John Harvard Scholar in Economics from Harvard University and completed his MBA at Stanford University Graduate School of Business Administration. David resides in Dallas with his wife and son.