Dean Kirby is a Republican Mississippi State Senator representing District 30 in Rankin County, including Pearl. Born on November 21, 1946, in Lake City, Arkansas, he has served in the Senate since 1992 and currently holds the position of President Pro Tempore , often called "the senators' senator." He is married to Jean Latham and has six grandchildren; he is a Baptist and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. Described as honest, humble, and hardworking, Kirby is known for bipartisan efforts supporting community colleges like Hinds CC, including key roles in 2008 appropriations as chair of the Senate Finance Committee. He has advocated for school choice, state aid after Winter Storm Fern, and serves on the Senate Committee on Finance. Notable affiliations include the Homebuilders Association, NCSL, ALEC, NCOIL, NFIB, Southern Pine Electric Power Association Board, and Pearl & Rankin Chambers of Commerce.

Education and Political Experience

Limited public details are available on Kirby's formal education. His political experience spans over three decades in the Mississippi Senate , with leadership as Senate Finance Committee Chairman and current President Pro Tempore. He has influenced capital improvements, campus expansions, and bipartisan support for education and disaster recovery.