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Kerry W. Kirby

Founder / CEO

Kerry W. Kirby is a global entrepreneur, technology innovator, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of 365 Connect, the leader in automated marketing, leasing, and resident engagement platforms for multifamily communities worldwide. As an acclaimed speaker and award-winning podcaster, Kerry has reached millions of listeners having appeared across various media outlets, streaming services, and event stages to discuss the convergence of technology in our digitally dependent world. He is co-host of the longest running podcast in the multifamily housing industry, the award-winning MultifamilyBiz + PowerHour Webcast Series, as well as the popular tech-talk series Multifamily Tech Gurus Podcast.

Very few people know the multifamily housing industry from the ground up like Kerry. Prior to founding 365 Connect in 2003, he developed apartment communities across the Southern United States. Kerry’s eye for finding buildable sites with incredible locations was his formula to create an array of successful ventures. It was through his work as a developer that he saw the need to provide technology services that would bridge the gap between properties, prospects, and residents.

Through Kerry’s dedication to detail and continuous innovation, he has propelled 365 Connect from a scrappy startup to a globally recognized company, which has won an array of highly acclaimed awards, including the esteemed Louisiana Governor's Technology Award and the Titan Entrepreneur Award, acknowledging his remarkable technological contributions. He has been named to the Silicon Bayou 100 List of most influential entrepreneurs for nine consecutive years and notably stands as the inaugural recipient in the multifamily housing sector to receive the Bootstrapper Award. Kerry has won more technology awards than any other company in his home state of Louisiana, as well as the industry he serves.

Kerry serves on the Board of Advisors of Rainbow, a national nonprofit organization that provides service-enriched housing programs for over 32,000 affordable housing units across the country and is general-partner to an additional 12,300 units. He is Chair of Technology Initiatives for the Multifamily Innovation Advisory Council, an executive membership level organization with over three million multifamily units represented, focused on assisting owners and operators of multifamily communities identify pain points and explore innovative solutions that will drive change across the industry.

Kerry and his wife Melinda are actively involved in supporting communities and causes, with an unwavering dedication to humanitarian, educational, healthcare, and equality programs. Through their Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation, they provide resources to nonprofit organizations that accelerate progress by championing causes that give a voice to those that are often not heard. They have been highly recognized for their philanthropic commitment, being honored with a Communitas Global Award for their significant impact in making a difference in people’s lives. They reside in the suburban New Orleans area with their two daughters and family dogs Angel and Roxie.