Born on June 27, 1954, in Austin, Texas, Ron Kirk is a leading public policy lawyer who became the first African American mayor of Dallas, Texas spanning two terms, from June 1995 to 2001. Kirk currently holds his office in Dallas, Texas serving as a partner in the international law firm Vinson and Elkins. He focuses his practice on public policy and public finance.

Ron Kirk took part in history’s largest leveraged buyout, when private equity firms Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Texas Pacific Group (TPG) acquired the Texan energy company TXU Gas Co. in 2007. Ron Kirk facilitated the deal and he still continues to represent the new owners of the company. In fact, according to a non-profit organization, Texans for Public Justice, as of March 2007, Ron Kirk is one of the four highest paid lobbyists for Texas Energy Future Holdings Limited Partnership, the group that was created by KKR, TPG, and other owners to purchase TXU. Additionally, Ron Kirk represents Southwest Airlines Co. and he also serves as the co-chairman of Compete, a national coalition of energy companies that seek for deregulation.

Ron Kirk earned his B.A. from Austin College in 1976 and then earned his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1979. Ron Kirk engaged in a couple of jobs after graduation including working in some law firms, serving as a legislative assistant, assistant city attorney and chief lobbyist, and Texas Secretary of State; until he was elected Mayor of Dallas, Texas in 1995. He won 62% of the votes and he was re-elected to a second term in 1999, winning 74% of the vote. During his tenure, Kirk developed a reputation for building coalitions and he also proposed the “Dallas Plan,” which is a vision for the City of Dallas in the next 25 years. Ron Kirk also pushed the establishment of the American Airlines Center, an arena used for basketball, football, and hockey games as well as concerts and other events.

Ron Kirk has received numerous awards and recognitions including one of “The 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America” by The National Law Journal in 2008; Justinian Award by The Dallas Lawyers Auxiliary in 2008; and Volunteer of the Year Awards by the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Dallas in 1992. He is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America in government relations law from 2007-2009.