DK Hirner: A Commitment to Service

About DK: DK's Midwestern values are a reflection of her upbringing. After her father was killed in an auto accident when DK was just a baby, she was raised by her mother on her grandparent’s farm. Her mother received desperately needed Social Security survivor benefits, but rather than using them to help with day-to-day expenses, each month she deposited DK’s check in a savings account, knowing this was the only way DK would ever be able to attend college. Her mother eventually remarried, and continued to save those checks with the support of DK's stepfather, a machinist by trade. Through a combination of her mother’s sacrifice, part-time jobs and teaching assistant ships, DK not only earned a college degree but eventually went on to graduate school and law school.

A Record of Public Service: DK has dedicated her life to public service. She’s been honored to serve on the senior staff of two governors, where she had the opportunity to work on legislation affecting children and working families. An avid outdoors woman, she has fought to protect the interests of hunters and anglers. In addition, having spent a portion of her career working with industry, DK understands the need to bring common sense and balance to issues, and works to improve the economy and create jobs. DK also has been active in her community, serving on numerous boards and commissions ranging from community organizations to sportsmen’s groups. DK is joined in commitment to public service by her husband Chuck, her partner in pursuit of the 18th Congressional District seat. Chuck retired from the Navy as a Captain, after 28 years of service to his country. Chuck flew attack jets from aircraft carriers around the world in support of national policy and objectives. Throughout his military and subsequent careers, Chuck set the example by putting mission and service above self.

Commitment to Family:  DK and Chuck know, first hand, what it means to be dedicated to family, and they understand the challenges of supporting their elders.  They have cared for her Dad, who has had several health related set-backs.  Chuck and DK care for his Mom, who lives with them in their home.

Education:

• Juris Doctor, 2009 - St. Louis University,  St. Louis, MO
• Doctor of Philosophy - Land Use Planning, Management and Design, 1985 - Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
• Master of Science - Recreation and Park Administration, 1979 - University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
• Bachelor of Science - Recreation and Park Administration, 1975 - University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

Professional Experience:

Executive Director, 2005 - 2009
Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group, Springfield, IL

Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, 2002 – 2005
Drury University, Springfield, MO

Deputy Chief of Staff, 2002
Office of Governor Bob Holden, Jefferson City, MO

Executive Director, 1999 - 2002
Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group, Springfield, IL

Executive Director, 1993 – 1999
Conservation Federation of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO

Policy Director, 1993
Office of Governor Mel Carnahan, Jefferson City, MO

Chief of Staff, 1991 – 1992
Office of Governor Mel Carnahan, Jefferson City, MO

State Energy Planner, 1990 – 1991
Department of Natural Resources, Jefferson City, MO

Program Director, Outdoor Recreation Assistance, 1986 – 1990
Department of Natural Resources, Jefferson City, MO

Assistant Professor/State Extension Specialist, 1985 - 1986
University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

Assistant Professor, 1984 - 1985
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Project Consultant, 1979 – 1981
Department of Natural Resources, Jefferson City, MO

Park Ranger/Naturalist, 1978 – 1979
St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation, St. Louis, MO

Honors and Awards:

Soil and Water Conservation Society, Show Me Chapter, Professional Conservationist Award 1998

Missouri Ruralist Woman of the Year in Missouri Agriculture 1996

Missouri Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts Achievement Award 1996

Who's Who in Government Services 1990

Outstanding Young Woman of America 1987

Academic Societies:  Sigma Xi, Scientific Research Society, Associate Member;
Sigma Lambda Sigma Recreation Honorary

Elo J. and Olga Urbanovsky Fellowship, Texas Tech University; selected from a nationwide field of competitors based on achievements and capabilities in park administration and landscape conservation (1981-1984)

Affiliations:

Illinois Bar Association 2009 – Present

Springfield (Missouri) Area Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors, elected 2003 with term beginning 1/2004; Chairman Elect, 2005

Springfield (Missouri) Ballet Board of Directors, appointed 2004

Springfield (Missouri) Convention and Visitors Bureau

Board of Directors, appointed 2005

The Rotary Club of Springfield (Missouri) 2003 – 2005

American Society of Association Executives 1997-2002

Illinois Society of Association Executives 1999-2002

National Society of Fund Raising Executives 1994-1997

Missouri Society of Association Executives 1994-1999, Board of Directors 1998 -1999

Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation, Board of Directors 1996-1999

University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Advisory Council 1997-1999

University of Missouri School of Natural Resources Advisory Council 1993-1999

National Recreation & Park Association, Nat’l Society for Park Resources, Board of Directors 1990

Missouri Park and Recreation Association; Board of Directors 1988-1990, Vice President 1990

National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers, Board of Directors 1988 – 1990, Secretary 1989, Vice President 1990