William T. Kirby

William T. Kirby (1911–1990) was an Illinois lawyer who helped found and direct the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

During World War II, Kirby became an officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Kirby became the attorney for wealthy real estate investor and insurance executive John D. MacArthur.

The idea first came to Kirby's attention through George E. Burch, a doctor at Tulane University.

After bringing the idea to the foundation's original board members, Kirby was instrumental in shaping it.