Erik Kirk

Erik H. Kirk, a lifelong Floridian, brings decades of experience in Florida’s executive and legislative branches of government, as well as leading his own successful government advocacy practice, prior to joining PooleMcKinley. Through over twenty years of government relations and business development experience, Erik has gained the respect of his colleagues and those in the business world. Erik grew up in the political environment and began his government relations career while still in college, serving as assistant to former Supreme Court Justice Wade Hopping and in subsequent years at the Republican Party of Florida.

Upon graduation from the Florida State University, Erik began his professional career serving at two statewide associations: the Florida Physical Therapy Association and two years later, at the Florida Hospital Association. Erik led their government relations efforts before the executive and legislative branches as well as managing the association’s political action committees.

In 2001, Governor Jeb Bush tapped Erik to serve in the state’s Department of Management Services where he served as Chief of Staff at the State Technology Office. In this role, Erik guided and advised Florida’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) on strategies for managing and consolidating the state’s information technology infrastructure. Most rewarding, Erik gained a more expansive insight into the state’s appropriations process and developed longstanding relationships with officials throughout government.

In 2003, with the knowledge gained from the private, not-for-profit and government arenas, Erik formed Kirk Consulting Group to service clients seeking a voice in the legislative and executive branches of Florida government, as well as select local markets throughout the state. The firm earned the respect of its clients for delivering an unparalleled level of service, providing in-depth insight into public individuals and their organizations within government, and for sound positioning of the client in a distinct market. In 2016, Kirk Consulting Group merged with PooleMcKinley to provide a broader reach for clients engaged in Florida commerce.

Erik earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from The Florida State University and a Master in Public Administration from Florida State’s Askew School of Public Policy. He has been active through the years with a number of not-for-profit organizations including the Leon High School Foundation Board of Directors, Young Life, Leadership Tallahassee, and the Governor’s Mentoring Initiative.

Erik and his wife Kristen live in Tallahassee. They have four children, Caroline, Teddy, Kaki and Annabelle.  Outside of the office he enjoys, when conditions are suitable, surfing, tennis, golf and supporting the Kirk family’s multiple sporting activities.