[2] Dean Kirby was born November 21, 1946 in Lake City, Arkansas.

[3] He graduated from Pearl High School and went to Mississippi College to play basketball.

[3] Kirby has represented District 30 in the Mississippi State Senate since 1992, which is located in Rankin County.

He was elected President pro tempore of the State Senate in 2020 and was reelected to the position in 2024.

[2] In this position, Kirby helps run day-to-day operations of the chamber, presides in the absence of the lieutenant governor, and serves as the chair of the Rules Committee.