Lauren Kirk currently serves as the Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Jackson. In this role, she is responsible for managing the community development team and various initiatives to improve the quality of life for all Jackonians. Prior to working with the City of Jackson, Lauren worked in the nonprofit sector in Memphis, serving with Historic Clayborn Temple, BLDG (Building) Memphis, and City Leadership.

In addition to her role at the City, Lauren remains actively involved with nonprofits in her community. She currently serves as the board president for Habitat for Humanity Jackson, as a member of the advisory council for Keep My Hood Good, a member of the Jackson State Community College Respiratory Care Advisory Board, and is a member of the Star Center’s Business Advisory Group.

Lauren is also a graduate of the 2019 class of Leadership Jackson and the 2021 class of the Delta Regional Authority Executive Leadership Academy, with a Regional Innovator Certificate from the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and the University of Louisiana Monroe.

Lauren is a proud first generation college graduate. She received a Masters in City and Regional Planning and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Memphis, where she was also a Housing and Community Development Fellow for 3 years. She also holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Union University. Lauren enjoys living life in midtown Jackson with her husband Anthony, and their dog Jack.