Candidate: Kim Kirby

Hello, My name is Kim Kirby and I would be honored to serve as your representative on the Walton County School Board, District 2. Some of you already know me, but I don’t take anything for granted and I believe I must earn your support. Through out my career in municipal government I have always encouraged people to attend public meetings, run for public office, and have urged teachers to allow extra credit for students attending public meetings so our children would have the opportunity to learn more about our local government; the government closest to the people. Now I feel it is time for me to practice what I have preached to so many, for so long. It is time to pay it forward! It is, and always has been, my desire to serve my community! The Walton County School District is the largest employer in the county and is responsible for our most precious asset, our children. I believe my professional experience will be an asset to our school district and will add a level of professionalism to the school board. My education and professional experience in public administration, including six (6) years as the city manger for the City of DeFuniak Springs, makes me the best candidate to ensure we have fiscal accountability while meeting the educational needs of our children. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Alabama and have knowledge and experience with budget preparation; contract negotiations; oversight and management of infrastructure, facilities, utilities, public works, and fleet management. Also, my proven experience of working collaboratively with our community leaders and local officials on initiatives to benefit our community and citizens make me the right choice for the Walton County School Board, District 2. My husband Rick Kirby and I are proud members of East Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, and my husband was a 1975 graduate of Walton High School. His youngest son Sam was a 2013 graduate of Walton High School. I am actively involved in our community and have served on various boards. Some of my professional affiliations and community activities include: • The American Public Works Association (APWA), 2001-Present o Florida Chapter President, for the State of Florida, 2011-2012 o Florida Chapter President-Elect, 2010-2011 o Florida Chapter Vice-President, 2009-2010 o Florida Chapter Scholarship Committee Chairman, 2006-2009 • Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast o Walton County Affinity Board - DeFuniak Springs Teen Club (Founding Member), 2007-2012 • Florida City – County Managers Association, 2005-Present • Grit and Grace, Inc. Board of Directors, 2011-Present • Impact 100 of Northwest Florida Board of Directors (Founding Member), 2011-Present • Kiwanis Club of DeFuniak Springs, 2007-2012 o Special Events Chairman, 2011-2012 • Walton Area Chamber of Commerce: o Board of Directors, 2009-2011 o BUILD Council (Founding Member), 2007 - 2009 o BUILD Council - Mentor, 2009-2011 o DeFuniak Springs Area Council (Founding Member), 2006-2010 o Leadership Walton, Class of 2007 • Walton County Communities for a Lifetime Advisory Committee (Founding Member), 2008 – 2011 • Walton County Economic Development Alliance Board of Directors (Founding Member), 2009-2011 I am the candidate with the professional knowledge and experience, and I will work hard to enhance our school district and keep us moving forward in preparing our children for their future, while ensuring fiscal responsibility! I would appreciate your support and your vote on August 26th! Regards, Kim Kirby For Walton County School Board District 2 kim.kirby@ymail.com 850.333.1771 https://www.facebook.com/votekirbyforkids