About — Kirkman for Iowa

Meet Jennifer Kirkman

Hi, I am Jennifer Kirkman, and I want to represent your interests in the Iowa House of Representatives District 99.

I consider myself a somewhat reluctant politician. I didn't major in Political Science or set out to have a career in politics. I am running because for too long I've been saying "someone needs to do something." I am someone; you are too! It's time to demand more from our elected officials. At the very least, it's time to demand that our elected officials do what they say and say what they do.

I am running because I believe in the power of community and the importance of effective leadership. I am and have been, for over twenty years, a practicing attorney in Burlington, Iowa. I am a lifelong Iowan.

I have seen firsthand the challenges our community faces. I am an advocate for the return of Iowa to being a national leader in education. I believe in the importance of the recruitment and retention of young people and professionals to our state and bringing back a strong rural economy. I am concerned about the health of Iowans, and the importance of access to good healthcare. I believe in equality for all citizens of our great state and "Iowa nice." The potential for positive change also inspires me, and I know that by working together, we can create a brighter future for our community, city, and our fantastic state.

I grew up on a small farm right here in Iowa. I am one of two children. My parents still live on that same farm, and I am proud to be a native Iowan. I grew up here, went to school here, and own a business here. I am one of you, and I am proud of that! My parents have instilled in me the importance of a good education, a strong work ethic and a moral obligation to our friends and neighbors.

I graduated from East Buchanan High School in Winthrop Iowa in 1998. I went on to the University of Iowa where I graduated with Honors in Communication Studies and International Business (certificate) in December of 2001. Then, I obtained my Juris Doctorate at the University of Iowa Law School in December of 2004. In January of 2005, I moved to Burlington, Iowa, and have been practicing law here ever since, first at Beckman & Hirsch and, since 2008, with Robberts & Kirkman, LLLP. We are a general practice law firm which practices in family law, estate law, and guardianships/conservatorships. In my professional life, I see first-hand the challenges that face Iowans right at their kitchen table, every day.

I am fortunate enough to be the mother to a truly remarkable teenager and the fiancé to a health care provider at Community Health Center in Southeast Iowa.

Over my 20+ years of owning a small business in Burlington, Iowa, and living and working here, I have volunteered with a number of organizations, including the Burlington Library Board, Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, Burlington Fine Arts League, Rotary, BTown Pride, Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Notre Dame Foundation, Business and Professional Women, and Burlington Riverfront Entertainment, to name a few.

I am committed to listening to the voices of all community members. Working together allows us to find creative solutions to even the most complex challenges. I have worked as an advocate my entire career, and I will use that experience to help us move District 99 into the future while we celebrate and learn from the past.

I ask for your support and vote, and I promise to work tirelessly to represent your interests and make our community a better place for all of us.

Thank you, and please accept my gratitude for your time.