Kirby Kander

Kirby Kander returned to his alma mater in November of 2014. His current role includes Senior Director of Live Events for Seminole Productions and adjunct instructor in the College of Communication and Information.

As a student, Kirby became active with Seminole Productions. He was a feature producer on the Seminole Sports Magazine Show and scriptwriter for Seminole Uprising. He also worked the various coaches’ shows and live events for Seminole Productions. In 2001, his professional career began as Production Coordinator with the Houston Astros. After one year with the club he was promoted to Assistant Director of Ballpark Entertainment. During this time he handled all aspects of video productions and entertainment. In 2003, Kander was promoted to Director of Ballpark Entertainment. During this time he produced all Astros home games and special events. In additional he held the post as Executive Producer of the 2004 MLB All-Star Game, Home Run Derby, 2004 and 2005 NLDS and NLCS, 2005 World Series and served as Executive Producer of Super Bowl XXXVIII Bud Bowl Concert Series featuring Staind and Tim McGraw.

In 2005, Kander and his team were recognized nationally at the Information Display Entertainment Association Golden Matrix Awards. The annual awards show and conference recognizes outstanding work within the sports entertainment industry. Over the next five years the Astros collected a record five consecutive Best Overall Display Awards, the highest industry award and a total of 14 Golden Matrix Awards. In 2009, Kander was promoted to Senior Director of Creative Services. In this role he took on additional leadership roles in the clubs marketing and sponsorship departments. Some of his accomplishments over the next three years include introducing the Astros Walk of Fame, re-introduction of “Orbit” the mascot, and the teams re-branding logo and uniform designs. Kander also designed and integrated High Definition upgrades throughout the ballpark, which included multiple large LED displays and a 1,500 square foot multi-level control room.

In 2012, Kirby joined NBC-Universal as Senior Director at Comcast Sportsnet Houston. He was a launch team member in unveiling the 24-hour sports network. In this role Kander directed all programming including Sports Net Central, Sports Talk Live, Football Focus, Astros Pre/Post Game Live, Rockets Pre/Post Game Live, College SportsNet Central, High School SportsNet Central, in addition to managing a full-time staff of studio directors.

Kander is originally from Jupiter, Florida and is an avid surfer.