Karla Kirk
About Karla Kirk
Karla Kirk serves as the Vice President of Firm Selection at Lion Street, bringing over fifteen years of experience in finance and operations management. She has held various leadership roles, including Vice President of Growth and Revenue at NAIFA and Vice President of Partner Development at AALU, where she successfully increased revenue through strategic initiatives.
Current Role at Lion Street
Karla Kirk currently serves as Vice President of Firm Selection at Lion Street, a position she has held since 2024. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the selection process of firms that align with Lion Street's strategic goals. Her tenure at Lion Street has been marked by her extensive experience in finance and operations management.
Previous Experience at NAIFA
Prior to her current role, Karla Kirk worked at the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) as Vice President of Growth and Revenue from 2022 to 2024. During her time at NAIFA, she focused on enhancing revenue streams and developing strategies for member engagement. Her leadership contributed to the organization's growth in the Washington DC-Baltimore area.
Professional Background in AALU
Karla Kirk served as Vice President of Partner Development at the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting (AALU) from 2009 to 2017. In this capacity, she implemented initiatives that significantly increased revenue through enhanced member engagement and corporate partnerships. Her advocacy strategies were instrumental in driving the organization's success over four consecutive years.
Educational Background
Karla Kirk graduated from Texas A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Science and Government. Her educational background has provided a strong foundation for her career in finance and operations management, enabling her to navigate complex regulatory environments effectively.
Career Progression and Experience
Karla Kirk has over fifteen years of experience working with financial professionals. Her career includes various leadership positions, such as Vice President of Advocacy & Chief of Staff at Winning Connections and Finance Director at Friends of Kent Conrad. She has also held roles at Squire Patton Boggs and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, contributing to her extensive knowledge in finance and advocacy.