Who Is John Kirby? A Look at the Career and Life of the Pentagon Press Secretary

John Francis Kirby is a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral who currently serves as the Coordinator for Strategic Communications on the National Security Council. He previously held the role of Pentagon Press Secretary and has a long history of military and government service.

Key Facts About John Kirby

• Full Name: John Francis Kirby
• Birthday: June 3, 1963 (age 60 years)
• Birthplace: St. Petersburg, Florida
• Nationality: American
• Religion: Christianity
• Marital Status: Married to Donna Kirby
• Children: Two, including daughter Meghan McDowell
• Education:
  • St Petersburg Catholic High School (1981)
  • University of South Florida, Bachelor’s in History (1985)
  • Master’s in International Relations from Troy University
  • Master’s in National Security from Naval War College
  • Completed Officer Candidate School in 1986
• Net Worth: Estimated around $2 million
• Profession: Admiral, Government Official

Early Life and Education

John Kirby was born on June 3, 1963 in St. Petersburg, Florida. He attended St Petersburg Catholic High School, graduating in 1981.

Kirby went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of South Florida in 1985. He continued his education by completing a Master’s degree in International Relations from Troy University and a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

In 1986, Kirby finished Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy.

Military Career Highlights

Kirby had a long and distinguished 29-year career in the U.S. Navy before retiring with the rank of Rear Admiral:

• Served as a public affairs officer both afloat and ashore
• Deployed in support of U.S. and NATO operations in the Middle East and Southwest Asia
• Served as Chief of Naval Information from 2009 to 2012
• Was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Media Operations
• Awarded various medals including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and Legion of Merit

Kirby gained extensive experience as a military spokesperson and leader during his naval career. He regularly interacted with national and international media outlets to communicate U.S. defense policies and military operations.

Government Roles

After retiring from the Navy, Kirby took on various government roles:

• State Department spokesperson from 2015 to 2017 during the Obama administration
• CNN military and diplomatic analyst from 2017 to 2021
• Pentagon Press Secretary from 2021 to 2022 under the Biden administration
• Coordinator for Strategic Communications on the National Security Council starting in May 2022

As State Department spokesperson, Kirby regularly conducted press briefings and communicated foreign policy issues. At the Pentagon, he fielded questions from the media during a turbulent time for U.S. military operations.

Kirby is valued for his communications expertise across national security and military affairs.

Personal Life and Family

John Kirby resides in Washington D.C. with his wife, Donna Kirby. He has two grown children, including daughter Meghan McDowell.

Kirby has an estimated net worth of around $2 million. His income comes from his long military career as well as positions in government and media.

In his personal life, Kirby enjoys golfing, spending time with family, and following his hometown sports teams like the Tampa Bay Rays. He has described himself as hardworking with a good sense of humor.

Last Updated on February 18, 2024 by Shahid Maqsood