Kirk is the Senior Director of UNC’s Government and Defense Sector, which span all military branches and select federal agencies. He is responsible for the overall strategy for Government and Defense Programs, including focus areas of emerging needs for executive education in the government. Kirk collaborates with clients to co-develop solutions that drive results in alignment with their organizational needs and culture. In his role, Kirk directs every phase of the learning design process, including needs analysis, high-level and detailed design, faculty selection, program orchestration, measurement of impact, and continuous improvement.
Kirk brings extensive leadership experience and knowledge of the Federal sector from a 30-year career as an officer in the United States Army, retiring as Colonel. During his military career, Kirk was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star, among other awards, and the Master Parachutist Badge. After military service, he worked as an executive at a Washington, DC-based information technology company and was an advisor to the CEO on business strategy.
Kirk is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a BS with a concentration in Russian language and Eastern European studies. He also holds a MS degree in national security strategy from the National War College in Washington, DC.
Kirk and his wife have two sons, one an Army Officer currently serving in Europe and the other a producer in education film/video at MIT in Boston, MA. Kirk’s hobbies include beekeeping and performing in a local bluegrass band in his spare time.