Richard Michael Kirtner grew up in Chattaroy, West Virginia, and moved to Huntington at the age of 8. He graduated from Huntington East High School in 1969 and from Marshall University in 1973. He was born with the gift to communicate and inspire others and has dedicated his life and career to communication.
Within two years of obtaining his degree, Kirtner was asked to serve as an adviser to Marshall's broadcast journalism department. After a few years living away, he wanted to return to Huntington so his children could be educated at Marshall University. Joining with entrepreneur Tom Wolf, Kirtner was ready to support Huntington and the surrounding area with all of his enthusiasm and energy.
He has delivered fireworks on the Fourth of July for several years through Huntington's Dawg Dazzle event. Kirtner also organized Huntington's Safe Trick-or-Treat event in 1992, an annual tradition that continues today, and annual Easter egg hunts on the Cabell County Courthouse lawn. He also has served as the public address announcer for Marshall University basketball. Kirtner has served as a board member for the City of Huntington Foundation, The Big Green and as president of the Tip-Off Club for Marshall basketball.
