Meeting Professionals International Appoints Kevin Kirby as Executive Director of Foundation
Kirby to leverage business development, sales and marketing experience
DALLAS, Oct. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is pleased to announce Kevin Kirby as the new Executive Director of the MPI Foundation. In this role, Kirby is charged with advancing the strategic business plans and fundraising goals of the organization, along with managing day-to-day operational activities for the foundation, which funds scholarships, chapter grants and industry research and causes. He assumes the position on October 29, 2018 and will report to Darren Temple, COO of MPI and executive vice president of the MPI Foundation.
Kirby has considerable understanding of the organization's mission and focus. He was chairman of the MPI International Board of Directors in 2014/15 during the refocus of the MPI Foundation mission and a member of the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees since 2016. He currently serves on the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees as the chapter liaison.
"MPI is thrilled that an experienced leader with Kevin's reputation for integrity, high performance and industry excellence will be leading our Foundation's efforts," commented Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI. "As an active and engaged MPI member and volunteer leader for more than 20 years, Kevin brings to this role an affinity for our community, a demonstrated and burning passion for our mission, and exceptional business acumen."
"Kevin holds a unique and comprehensive perspective for the role that will benefit our fundraising capacity and further strengthen our brand on the world stage," said Darren Temple, COO of MPI and executive vice president of the MPI Foundation. "He has been an industry thought leader, marketer and a part of our exhaustive MPI talent-targeting efforts for this position since last year. The timing now is ideal for both Kevin and the MPI Foundation."
Kirby brings significant hospitality and entertainment industry experience, and has a keen knowledge of developing strategic plans for revenue growth. His prior work included serving as head of global marketing and sales at Hard Rock International, where he contributed to strong year-over-year annual growth. At Walt Disney Parks & Resorts he was a national sales director, and used innovative strategies to boost sales and growth. He also managed marketing and sales efforts for Universal Orlando.
"I am elated to lead the MPI Foundation to remarkable growth and educational opportunities for our members," said Kevin Kirby, MPI Foundation executive director. "I've seen the value of the Foundation first-hand, and look forward to applying my business development, marketing and sales experience to generate financial support to expand member offerings."
Kirby, who earned a BS in Business Administration, Bowling Green State University with a dual major in International Business and Sales Management, was hired after an extensive screening process was conducted by Vetted Solutions on behalf of MPI.
About MPI
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide. The organization provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities and business exchanges, and acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry. MPI has a global community of 60,000 meeting and event professionals including more than 17,000 engaged members and its Plan Your Meetings audience. It has more than 90 chapters and clubs in 19 countries. "When we meet, we change the world." www.mpi.org
Media Contact: Mary Lester, [email protected]; 214-490-3480
SOURCE Meeting Professionals International
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