Dan Kirby

Principal, Premiere Cities Group, LLC

Dan Kirby, AIA, AICP, LEED AP has dedicated himself to understanding, creating, and improving places where people live, work, and play. He is a registered architect, certified city planner, and a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional. Since 2005, Dan has been Director of Development Services for Boyken International, a construction and development consulting firm with offices in Orlando, Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston. He has had management and design responsibilities on a variety of projects including: mixed-use, multi-family, hospitality, interior renovations, campus planning, and convention facilities. In professional circles, Dan is a respected leader. He serves as a member of the board of directors for the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects and the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. Previously, he has served as an advisory member of the national board of directors for the American Planning Association and Chair of the Alumni Board of Governors for the Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning at the University of Michigan. At the local government level, Dan has served as Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Downtown Strategic Transition Team, 3-term Chair of the Maitland Planning and Zoning Commission, Vice Chair of the Orange County Urban Design Commission, and as a member of the Historic Preservation Board,. He describes it as “a natural fit that design professional should be among the leading voices in public dialogue on sustainable design, construction of public facilities, affordable housing, effective regional transportation solutions, and land use policies.” In addition to his professional pursuits, he has given countless hours to community service. Even prior to becoming a father, Dan learned the importance of working to create an environment where young people can thrive. This led him to volunteering time in efforts to improve access to healthcare, childcare, and workforce development. This has included service as Vice President of Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Central Florida and as a mentor with Orange County Public Schools. His family also worked with the Central Florida Black Nurses Association to create and support the Eliza Kirby Scholarship. The Scholarship is presented annually to support aspiring nursing students, in honor of his mother, a nurse who died from cancer in 2002. He has been honored as recipient of the Nils Schweizer Community Service Award and twice selected as one of Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. He holds masters degrees in architecture and urban planning from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. He continues to be an avid fan of the Florida Gators and the Michigan Wolverines. As a volunteer for Florida Citrus Sports, Dan serves as a member of the Team Selection Committee for the Capital One Bowl and the Champs Sports Bowl. Each fall, along with other volunteers, he serves as an ambassador for Orlando and Florida Citrus Sports making visits to Big Ten Conference and Southeastern Conference teams. Among his personal interests is sailing, and he has earned the American Sailing Association's Basic Keelboat, Coastal Cruising, and Bareboat Chartering certifications. In 2007, Dan and his family were profiled in Florida Trend magazine and Executive Living magazine. In January and February of 2008, Dan enjoyed a short stint on national TV as a member of the “Mob” on NBC’s 1 vs.100 game show. Dan and his wife Allison, a public school administrator, and their daughter Elliana live in Orlando.