Girard Newkirk is a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to inclusive economic development. As Co-founder and CEO of Genesis Block, he brings expertise in business innovation and technology to support small business ecosystems. A Pender County native, Girard returned to Wilmington from San Jose, California, in 2018, leveraging his experience to drive regional entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of KWHCoin, a blockchain-based renewable energy company that won the 2019 Coastal Entrepreneur Award for Emerging Company. In 2020, he was recognized among Wilmington’s Top 100 Business Leaders for his work with Genesis Block and his commitment to “Building the Entrepreneur Class.” Under his leadership, Genesis Block partnered with NC IDEA and New Hanover County to launch the Back on the Block Minority Accelerator, advancing opportunities for minority entrepreneurs. His ability to bridge business, technology, and economic development continues to shape the future of entrepreneurship in the Southeastern U.S.