Kirby has served as the President & CEO of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore since July 1, 2020, taking over the zoo during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Zoo is experiencing strong attendance, exceeding the three-year average, and recently released a transformative 10-year Master Plan.

Previously, Kirby served as President of The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Inc. During his 16-year tenure, more than 70 major development projects opened in the Downtown core with the assistance of The Partnership. Also, under his leadership, The Partnership revitalized parks and plazas (Center Plaza, Preston Gardens, Hopkins Plaza, McKeldin Plaza); led the transformation of Pratt Street; launched the Charm City Circulator; oversaw planning for a new Lexington Market and renovation of Cross Street Market; created a Homeless Outreach Team; and co-authored a tax credit program to spark apartment construction throughout the City. As a result, Downtown dramatically transformed from a predominantly commercial zone into a mixed-use neighborhood with new cultural attractions and a burgeoning residential population. When Kirby departed in early 2020, Downtown Baltimore ranked 12th in the country in the number of residents (42,706) and 13th in number of employees (124,785).

Music Intro: John Tyler

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