Ron Kirk

Ron Kirk, born on June twenty-seventh, nineteen fifty-four, in Austin, Texas, is a distinguished American lawyer and politician. He has made significant contributions to public service, notably as the United States Trade Representative from two thousand nine to two thousand thirteen, and as the first African-American to serve as both the secretary of state of Texas and the mayor of Dallas.

A graduate of Austin's John H. Reagan High School, Kirk furthered his education at Austin College and the University of Texas School of Law. His political career began in earnest when he was appointed secretary of state of Texas in nineteen ninety-four, a role he held until his election as mayor of Dallas in nineteen ninety-five. He served in this capacity until two thousand two, during which time he made history as the first African-American to hold either position.

In two thousand two, Kirk sought a seat in the United States Senate but was defeated by Republican John Cornyn. Following this setback, he transitioned to the private sector, becoming a partner at the Houston-based law firm Vinson & Elkins and working as a lobbyist for Energy Future Holdings and Merrill Lynch.

In two thousand nine, President Barack Obama nominated Kirk to be the U.S. Trade Representative, a position he was confirmed to by the Senate with a resounding ninety-two to five vote. He served in this role until January twenty-second, two thousand thirteen, when he announced his decision to step down.