Kerry William Kirby

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Kerry William Kirby
Kerry W Kirby CEO 365 Connect-Web Version.jpg
Kerry W. Kirby in 2023
Born
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
NationalityAmerican
Alma materTulane University
Occupation
  • Entrepreneur
  • Philanthropist
  • Technology Innovator
Known for
  • 365 Connect (Founder & CEO)
  • Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation
Spouse(s)Melinda M. Kirby
Websitekerrywkirby.com

Kerry W. Kirby is an American entrepreneur, technology innovator, and philanthropist.[1] He is the founder and CEO of 365 Connect, a New Orleans-based multinational technology company that develops AI-enabled marketing and leasing platforms for the multifamily housing industry. His work has focused on the development and adoption of digital technologies within the housing sector, as well as industry leadership and philanthropic initiatives.[2]

Early life and education

Kerry William Kirby was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Kenneth Fredrick Kirby and Virginia Kirby. His father served as an officer with the Louisiana State Police, while his mother worked in accounting at a local bank. Kirby has one sister.

Career

Real Estate

Kirby began his career in the multifamily housing industry, developing apartment communities across the Southern United States. His work focused on identifying development opportunities and building residential properties in growing markets. Through his experience as a developer, Kirby recognized a growing need for technology solutions to improve how apartment communities marketed properties, managed leasing processes, and connected with renters. This led him to shift his focus from real estate development to property technology.

Technology

Kirby founded 365 Connect in 2003, building the New Orleans-based SaaS company into a globally recognized technology provider serving the multifamily housing industry. Under his leadership, 365 Connect has earned more than 100 technology awards more than any other company in Louisiana while achieving its growth entirely without external funding.[3][4]

Media

Kirby is a speaker and award-winning podcaster whose media appearances and programs have reached millions of listeners across broadcast media, streaming platforms, and industry events. His commentary focuses on emerging technology, innovation, and digital transformation. He co-hosts the MultifamilyBiz + PowerHour Webcast Series,[5][6] recognized as the multifamily housing industry’s longest-running podcast, and the popular tech-talk series Multifamily Tech Gurus Podcast, which focuses on technology and innovation within the housing sector.

Boards

Kirby serves on the Board of Advisors of Rainbow,[7] a national nonprofit organization providing service-enriched housing programs across more than 40,000 affordable housing units nationwide. He also chairs Technology Initiatives for the Multifamily Innovation Council, an industry organization that collaborates with multifamily housing operators representing millions of units to advance technology adoption and digital transformation.

Awards

Kirby has received multiple awards for entrepreneurship, technology, and philanthropy, which include:

  • Louisiana Governor’s Technology Award
  • Bootstrapper Innovation Award[8]
  • Communitas Award
  • Titan Entrepreneur Award[9]
  • Noble Award[10]
  • Silicon Bayou 100[11][12]

Philanthropy

Kirby and his wife, Melinda M. Kirby, are involved in philanthropic initiatives supporting humanitarian, educational, healthcare, and equality-focused programs.[13][14] Through the Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation, they provide resources and support to nonprofit organizations working to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and advocate for underserved populations. Their philanthropic work has received recognition, including a Communitas International Award for community service and social impact.

Ride With Kenny[15][16] is the flagship initiative of the Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation.[17] Established to help kidney patients maintain access to life-sustaining dialysis treatment, the program provides HIPAA-compliant transportation to and from dialysis appointments throughout Louisiana in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana and Uber Health.[18] The initiative was created in honor of Kenneth Fredrick Kirby, Kerry W. Kirby’s father and one of Louisiana’s early dialysis patients. Ride With Kenny received an Anthem Award[19] for its work addressing transportation barriers to dialysis care.[20]

The Foundation also supports Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana through wish-granting and statewide awareness initiatives. In 2026, the Foundation helped grant the wish of a 10-year-old Louisiana child battling leukemia,[21] supporting her wish to visit Disneyland with her family. The Foundation has also partnered with Make-A-Wish for World Wish Day,[22] supporting the illumination of prominent Louisiana landmarks, including the Crescent City Connection in New Orleans and the Bakowski Bridge of Lights in Shreveport, to raise awareness for children with critical illnesses.

Another focus of the Foundation’s philanthropic work is STARC of Louisiana,[23] a nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its support has contributed to programs providing early intervention, vocational training, supported employment, residential services,[24] and other resources for children, adults, and families.

Personal Life

Kirby married Melinda M. Kirby on October 10, 2010, at the Historic Conservatory in New Orleans City Park. The couple share an interest in historic architecture and design, reflected in their French-inspired residence, Château de Rêve, which they designed and custom built. They reside in the New Orleans area with their two daughters.

Gallery

  • Kerry W. Kirby on Stage at the Multifamily Innovation Summit in Phoenix

References

  1. ↑ "Kerry W. Kirby: Entrepreneur and Technology Innovator". Business Matters Magazine. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  2. ↑ "From Start-Up to Tech Titan: The Long Road to Gaining Market Share While Changing the Mindset of an Industry". LatestLY. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  3. ↑ "365 Connect Announces Uber Integration". Multi-Housing News. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  4. ↑ "365 Connect Launches AI-Powered Livestream Touring Platform". Mann Report Management. Mann Publications. 2020-05-05. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  5. ↑ "MultifamilyBiz + PowerHour Webcast Series". Apple Podcasts. Apple. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  6. ↑ "365 Connect CEO Kerry W. Kirby Receives Coveted Governor's Technology Award for Its Powerful Platform Serving Multifamily Communities". MultifamilyBiz. 2012-09-25. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  7. ↑ "Meet the Team". Rainbow Housing Assistance Corporation. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  8. ↑ "Kirby Honored With Inaugural Bootstrapper Award From Multifamily Innovation Advisory Council". Mann Report. Mann Publications. 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  9. ↑ "Kerry W. Kirby Honored With Titan Entrepreneur Award for Leading Technology Innovation in Today's Changing World". MarTech Series. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  10. ↑ "Kerry W. Kirby Named Outstanding Tech Entrepreneur With Receipt of Prestigious Noble Award". PR Newswire. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  11. ↑ "Tulane alums lead Silicon Bayou 100". Freeman News. Tulane University. 2017-02-15. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  12. ↑ "365 Connect's Kerry W. Kirby Shows Up on Silicon Bayou 100 List of Most Influential Big Hitters". Online Marketplaces. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  13. ↑ "Kerry W. Kirby and Melinda M. Kirby Honored With Global Communitas Award for Their Philanthropic Support of Communities and Causes". Lincoln Citizen. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  14. ↑ "Kerry W. Kirby and Melinda M. Kirby". NOLA.com. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  15. ↑ "Ride with Kenny". National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  16. ↑ "Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation and National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana Team Up with Uber Health to Launch Ride with Kenny". PR Newswire. 2025-01-28. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  17. ↑ "Mission Moment: Sarah's Wish Kerry and Melinda Kirby Foundation". YouTube. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  18. ↑ "Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation and National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana Highlight Impact of Ride with Kenny Program". PR Newswire. 2025-08-21. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  19. ↑ "Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation and National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana, Inc. Receive Anthem Award for Ride with Kenny Program". PR Newswire. 2025-11-20. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  20. ↑ Pamela Marquis (2019-05-01). "Charged and Ready". Biz New Orleans. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  21. ↑ "Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation Helps Grant Life-Changing Wish for Louisiana Child Battling Leukemia". EIN Presswire. 2026-09-01. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  22. ↑ "Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation in Partnership with Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Illuminate Louisiana's Iconic Bridges for World Wish Day". PR Newswire. 2026-04-28. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  23. ↑ "Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation Renews Commitment to Empowering Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Through Ongoing Support for STARC of Louisiana". PR Newswire. 2025-10-01. Retrieved 2026-09-11.
  24. ↑ "The Resident Portal: Are You Leveraging All Its Features?". Multi-Housing News. 2010-04-16. Retrieved 2026-09-11.

External links

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