By Cindy Stranad

Phil Kirk: A Life Lived Full
Throughout his career, Phil Kirk has challenged and persevered his way to the top of educational and political institutions. Not only was Kirk chief of staff to two governors and a U.S. Senator, but in 1970 he was elected as the youngest state senator in North Carolina history. After leaving government, Kirk was named president of the North Carolina Chamber, formerly known as N.C. Citizens for Business and Industry, was publisher of North Carolina Magazine and named one of the top 25 lobbyists in the state.

A graduate of Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, Kirk was also an English and journalism teacher, radio announcer and newspaper reporter.

Needless to say, Kirk is well known and influential throughout the state, yet still falls back on his humble background and fighting for the working class. Despite his extensive resume and notable awards and affiliations, Kirk is modest and old-fashioned. Kirk is active in many professional organizations and community events. And, today he may possibly be at the height of his career - and enjoying life along the way with little regret.

After 16 years at the State Chamber, Kirk returned to his hometown and alma mater by accepting a position at Catawba College as well as opening his own consulting and speaking firm. Now as the school's vice president for external relations, Kirk represents the school across the nation.

Education Priority No. 1
Perhaps the most notable aspect of his career is Kirk's devotion to education. From schoolteacher to Dean of the College of Management at N.C. State University to Chairman of the State Board of Education to Chair-Elect of the Public School Forum, Kirk has had influence in almost every aspect of the state's public school system.

Phil Kirk speaking at the Centralina Workforce Development Board meeting.

As the chairman of the Board of Education for five-and-one-half years prior to resigning in 2003, Kirk recognized schools for achievement and excellence. As a part of his campaign, he would travel to the distinguished schools, meet the students and staff and chaired the working committees for the two largest successful bond issues in North Carolina history. Former Governor Jim Hunt has said of Kirk, "If there's a single person in this state who is more involved and at the center of every issue, I don't know who it is." One of his milestones was restoring respect for the teaching profession and public schools in general, implementing a "Good News Presentation" at the beginning of every State Board of Education meeting. He set the bar high with his endless commitment and boundless energy by visiting more than 750 schools across the state. Among the other education-related boards he serves on are the Meredith College Board of Trustees, the UNC TV Board of Trustees, Public School Forum of North Carolina Board, Visiting International Faculty (VIF) Board, National Advisory Board of the Friday Institute, N. C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching Foundation Board and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation Board. He is also chairman emeritus of the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research Board, member emeritus of the Nazareth Children's Home Board and honorary board member for the Eating Disorders Program at UNC Hospital, the North Carolina Economic Education Committee and the Futures for Kids program.

This year, Kirk has been recognized for his devotion to quality public education. In March, the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching's Development Foundation, endowed an Honored Educator Scholarship in Kirk's name to be awarded annually to a North Carolina teacher. More recently, Kirk was awarded the 2007 Jay Robinson Leadership Award given by the Public School Forum of N.C. in honor of his devotion and commitment to a strong system of public education.

Moving Forward
Even with his two new careers, he adopts an attitude of learning something new everyday. Travel and tourism and economic development have always been on the forefront, and he's spending plenty of time networking and educating people about the opportunity in North Carolina. As a representative for Yadkin Valley Winegrowers Association, Kirk travels the state giving talks ranging from the benefits of wine in business to how the wine industry affects the state's economy. Phil Kirk spent three decades informing, entertaining, and persuading North Carolina audiences. As a politician, government official, president of NCCBI and chairman of the State Board of Education, Phil delivered more than 6,000 talks to groups small and large and is still going strong. Kirk and his wife, Margaret, have four daughters and six grandchildren. The Kirks reside in Raleigh and Salisbury.