Join us for breakfast and a presentation from Gene Kirchner as she explains the benefits you are entitled to through our partnership with the Northern KY Chamber.

Gene Kirchner has been the Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce since June 2017. Prior to that, Kirchner spent 34 years in public education, most recently serving as superintendent of Kentucky’s top-performing school district, Fort Thomas Independent.

During his tenure with Fort Thomas, Kirchner led a bold 21st-century digital conversion initiative resulting in one-to-one access for over 3000 students and staff. He also spent countless hours in Frankfort lobbying for public education and was instrumental in securing more than $20 million in state facilities funding for Fort Thomas. In his five years as superintendent, Kirchner oversaw over $50 million in school facility improvements throughout the district.

Before serving in Fort Thomas, Kirchner was the deputy superintendent for Walton-Verona Independent Schools, as well as principal of Walton-Verona High School. He received the A.D. Albright Award in 2001 for outstanding regional leadership and the Toyota Contribution to Collaboration Award in 2006 for his work in promoting partnerships between the business and education communities.

As Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Kirchner’s focus is on advocacy, operations, and strategic initiatives all aimed at helping the Chamber achieve its mission of promoting and supporting the development of strong businesses and a vibrant economy in the Northern Kentucky region.

Kirchner earned a BA in History/Business and an MA in Education from Eastern Kentucky University. He also holds a Professional Endorsement in Education Leadership from Xavier University.