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Gerald M. Kirke
 Chairman & CEO
Mr. Gerald (Gary) Kirke is a Midwestern-style entrepreneur who grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and returned to his home state in 1974 to build a company that rose to national prominence. By 1998, Kirke-Van Ordel Inc. (KVI) was recognized as one of the largest third-party insurance administrators in the nation with more than 2,000 employees. Named one of the fastest growing companies by Inc. Magazine, KVI expanded its national operations to both coasts and surrounding states, such as Missouri, where its St. Louis operations employed hundreds of people working on major national accounts. Business wasn't Mr. Kirke's only reason for traveling to Missouri. A dedicated fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Mr. Kirke has owned a suite at Arrowhead Stadium for nearly 20 years.
In 1998, Mr. Kirke sold KVI and its joint venture, Johnson & Higgins/KVI, to two Fortune 100 companies, Marsh & McLennan Companies and Automated Data Processing. Finding himself ready for another challenge, Mr. Kirke decided to remain in the Midwest and pursue his dream of investing in entrepreneurial companies with growth potential. He started Kirke Financial Services, L.L.C., in late 1999 as a vehicle for investing, owning and managing a variety of business interests, including commercial and residential real estate as well as technology, insurance administration, food, entertainment, manufacturing and health care companies.
Penchant for Public Service
Mr. Kirke has long been a champion of public service, advocating community involvment and civic contributions. He was the first employer in Des Moines to open an office in the federally designated Enterprise Zone to provide training and jobs to economically challenged residents. He has been tapped by Republican and Democratic governors to serve on high-profile boards and committees including the Grow Iowa Values Board and the Iowa Future Growth Committee. His many civic awards and business honors include the following:
- Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year
- Recognized by Redbook magazine as a family friendly employer
- Named Merit Employer of the Year by the NAACP
- Spirit of Des Moines Award for civic and business contributions
- Inducted into Junior Achievement's Business Hall of Fame
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