MEET VINCENT KIRKWOOD
Vincent Kirkwood is an educator, business leader, and community advocate focused on improving quality of life for everyone who calls West Bloomfield home.
Growing up as one of eight kids, Vincent learned the importance of hard work and service above self from his father, a long time USPS letter carrier, and mother, a school teacher. He attended public schools and worked hard in and out of the classroom, balancing his studies with serving on student council and playing sports.
Vincent got his first job at 14 years old, working at Taco Bell and retail jobs to put himself through school. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Speech Communication and PR and Masters in Sports Management from Wayne State University.
For over a decade, Vincent has worked at the nexus of sports management, marketing, and diversity and inclusion. Recognized as an industry leader, he teaches at Wayne State University, Cleary University and Rochester University, and has designed coursework in Sports Administration, Management and Marketing.
Since 2018, Vincent has served West Bloomfield as a Parks and Rec Commissioner, advocating for clean parks, green initiatives, and a more sustainable community. In partnership with WB Parks, the WB Public Library, WB Township and community volunteers, he founded and Chairs a first-of-its-kind Diversity Task Force focused on bringing residents together and celebrating the area’s incredible cultural, ethnic, and religious differences.
Active locally, Vincent serves on the board of the Coleman A. Young Foundation, NFL Draft Detroit Subcommittee, and Art Road Nonprofit. He has earned recognition for his local leadership and deep commitment to service, including “40 Under 40” awards from Crain’s Detroit Business, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter’s Oakland Together program, and the Michigan Chronicle.
Vincent and his wife, Kelly, a small business owner, are raising their two kids in West Bloomfield Township. They enjoy visiting local parks, walking and bicycling our beautiful trails, and kayaking in their free time.
Now, Vincent is running for Trustee to increase community engagement, promote transparency, improve sustainability, maintain and improve our infrastructure, enhance public safety, and build a more equitable, inclusive West Bloomfield Township. He is committed to bettering the community he’s proud to call home.