Kirya Francis

Kirya Francis, GSD&M’s VP of Solutions, has a keen ability to understand the complex and advancing world of technology, and simplify it for agency and client consumption. Currently, she leads the team that manages the technical platform, data governance and research practices for the agency. Together, they are ultimately answerable for providing best-in-class technical consulting, education, procurement, and development to create an environment of insights, efficacy, curiosity and innovation across the 400-person agency.

GSD&M strives to create a world where creative and media converge so “Ideas That Make a Difference” can flourish. Kirya believes this begins with creating an atmosphere where the bleeding edge of technology is discovered, while the cutting edge is reviewed and, if needed implemented, to ensure that the current technology is maximized, and the obsolete technology is deprecated. This is a great sentence, but it’s very complex. I recommend simplifying this message—otherwise it’ll take readers a couple reads for it to “click.”

Beyond her role leading Solutions, she has a passion for workforce diversity and has spoken on this topic at various conferences including the 2016 Texas Conference for Women, Rackspace: SOLVE Conference in San Francisco, as well as University of Texas, Texas State and other leading educational institutions. Kirya was named 2017 Coach of the Year for E4 Youth, an organization that introduces under-served high school students to the creative industry. Inside and outside GSD&M, Kirya is a force to be reckoned with, known for her “challenge accepted” work ethic to solve any problem courageously.