I pursued the MLA because I was looking to satisfy my curiosity about a range of topics and complement my other interests and activities. In addition to achieving these objectives, I appreciate the exposure I have received to a range of opinions and perspectives. I feel I am a better listener and have improved my critical reasoning skills as a result.

UChicago
Martin Kelly

Kelly Martin

Senior Director, Investment Banking, William Blair & Company
Financial Services, Chicago

Kelly Martin is a Senior Director with William Blair & Company, having joined the firm in 1990.

Before moving to a Senior Director role in October 2020, Kelly was Partner and head of Leveraged Finance, Private Capital and Fixed Income Sales and Trading where he managed a range of financing businesses, including leveraged loan arrangement and advisory, high yield origination, private equity placements and sales and trading of investment grade debt, high yield bonds and preferred stock. In addition to managing these business units, Kelly also retained client advisory responsibilities providing a range of services including M&A advisory and debt and equity financing services.

Prior to joining William Blair, Kelly began his financing career with Toronto Dominion Bank and American National Bank (JP Morgan Chase) where he provided financing to a broad range of corporate borrowers. Before beginning his career in finance Kelly spent four years with Boise Cascade Office Products.

Kelly earned an MBA from the University of Chicago (Booth), a Bachelor of Science with highest distinction from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University.

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