Book Ron to Speak
Leadership. High Performance Organizations. Culture. Economy and Finance. Business. Generational Connection. Character. Excellence. Branding. Change.
Marketing. Creativity. Problem-Solving.
Through leadership talks and workshops, Ron assists leaders across the country to accelerate their impact and well-being in career, family and community.
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Ron Kitchens serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Birmingham Business Alliance in Birmingham, AL. Driven by the belief that "the Greatest Force for Change is a Job," Ron works collaboratively with partners and stakeholders across the Birmingham region to grow jobs and build a competitive and diverse economy. He has built a career in economic development centered around passion, leadership and work towards transforming and growing organizations and communities, one job at a time.
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Along with being a bestselling author, in-demand speaker and podcaster, Ron is a true entrepreneur, founding and leading eight companies including Catalyst University, Consultant Connect and his first company, the Gas Shack, at age 19. Through his work as the General Partner of one of the nation's largest community-based venture funds, Ron's team invested more than $85 million in life science companies.
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Throughout his 30-year career, Ron has served organizations in Michigan, Texas, and Missouri. His teams have been recognized by Outside, Inc. and The Wall Street Journal as one of the Best Places to Work in America. Both Fast Company and CoreNet Global recognized Ron's team as global innovators.
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Elected as a City Councilman at age 21 for the City of Ozark, Missouri, Ron has also served on dozens of boards including the Board of Trustees of Western Michigan University, the Board of Gibson Insurance (South Bend, Indiana) and the Board of the International Economic Development Council.
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Ron is the author and co-author of three books including Uniquely You: Transform Your Organization by Becoming the Leader Only You Can Be. He hosts Always Forward Leadership--a podcast geared toward equipping leaders to lead at their most optimal level. He can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram just by searching "Ron Kitchens."
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Ron and his wife Lyn will celebrate their thirtieth anniversary in 2021 and are the parents of Kelsey, an advertising executive in New York City. When not working, Ron enjoys quail hunting, boating, exploring new restaurants and his Labrador Retriever Finley.