Decades of Leadership in Public Health and State Government
With more than 25 years of service in Texas state government, Kirk Cole (LinkedIN) brings deep expertise in public health, health programs, consumer protection, health care facility regulation, and agency operations. He led or contributed to major agency reorganizations, Sunset reviews and projects, and strategic planning efforts across Texas health and human services agencies. Kirk is known for strong relationships and a deep understanding of how government works.
Trusted Experience in State Health Services
Prior to joining GovExperts, Kirk held senior leadership roles at the Texas Department of State Health Services. These include Chief Deputy Commissioner, Interim Commissioner, Associate Commissioner, and Senior Advisor. In these roles, he led major agency initiatives, worked closely with state and legislative leadership, and oversaw critical public health and regulatory programs across the state.
Operational Expertise in Programs and Preparedness
Kirk led strategy and decision making for DSHS information technology projects. He is also a strong advocate of public health programs such as newborn screening where he was responsible for ensuring the integrity of the program through operational standards, stable funding, and facility resources.
Kirk served in leadership roles as part of over 25 major Texas disaster response efforts including Hurricanes Ike, Harvey, and Beryl; the Texas Ebola outbreak; the H1N1 pandemic; Zika virus response efforts; the COVID-19 pandemic; and the Texas 2025 measles outbreak.
Background in Health and Consumer Protection Regulation
Kirk also brings extensive regulatory experience, including oversight of consumer protection programs such as food safety, drug and medical device regulation, radiation control, and environmental health. He previously worked with health care facility licensing for hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and substance use treatment facilities, and has direct experience with the Texas trauma system and its designation process.
Grounded, Practical Perspective
Kirk holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and a Master of Urban Planning from Texas A&M University. His academic foundation, combined with decades of executive experience in state government, informs his practical approach to problem-solving and communications.
Kirk and his wife, Susan, live in the Austin area and have two college-age daughters.