“Service isn’t an obligation—it’s gratitude in action.” ~ Fred Kirkwood
When you spend time with Fred Kirkwood, one thing becomes clear quickly: his leadership has never been about titles. It has always been about people. Over a decades-long career in the natural gas industry, Fred built a reputation for listening first, showing up consistently, and leading with humility and quiet conviction. Colleagues know him as a mentor, the community knows him as a servant, and his family knows him as the steady presence behind it all. As he steps into retirement, Fred isn’t closing a chapter so much as turning a page—toward more time with family, continued service, and a deeper focus on what matters most. With reflection and gratitude, he shares with Do South the lessons, values, and relationships that have shaped his life and legacy.
When people in the community hear the name Fred Kirkwood, what do you hope they think of first, beyond your job titles?
I hope they think of someone who tried to serve well, someone who genuinely cared—about people, about doing the right thing, and about showing up consistently. Titles come and go, but relationships last. If people remember me as someone who listened, treated others with respect, and tried to leave things better than I found them, that’s enough for me.
Looking back, what part of your upbringing most shaped the way you show up as a leader today?
Thanks to my mother, I grew up understanding the value of hard work and humility. Nothing was handed to us—you earned trust, you earned respect, and you stood by your word. That foundation shaped how I lead today: stay grounded, work hard, and never forget where you came from.
You’ve mentioned your mother’s work ethic before, what’s one specific lesson from her that still guides you?
My mother taught me that showing up matters regardless of the position—every day, no excuses. She worked hard not for the praise, but because it was the right thing to do for her family. That lesson stuck with me. You don’t always control outcomes, but you can always control your effort and your integrity.
What’s something about you that most people don’t know but might be surprised to learn?
I’m far more comfortable behind the scenes than out front. I don’t need credit, I’d rather see someone else succeed and know I played a small part in helping them get there. Also, I am super competitive. I strive to win at whatever I participate in. I coached a girls AAU basketball team (AOG Mystics) for 8 years. We had a record of 241 wins and only 8 losses!
How would you describe your leadership style in human terms, not business ones?
I try to lead the way I’d want someone to lead my family—with honesty, patience, accountability, and grace. Leadership, to me, is walking alongside people, not standing above them.
Was there a moment when you realized leadership wasn’t about position, but influence?
Yes, and it came early. When I started at AOG, in an industry I knew nothing about and a new environment I noticed that people watched what I did, more than what I said. How I handled pressure, how I treated others when no one was looking. Influence shows up long before a title does. That realization stayed with me my entire career.
What’s the hardest leadership lesson you had to learn the long way?
That you can’t fix everything yourself. Sometimes the best thing you can do as a leader is trust others, step back, and let them grow, even when it’s uncomfortable.
What do people misunderstand most about what it takes to lead well?
They think it’s about having the title and all the answers. In reality, it’s about asking the right questions, listening closely, trusting your people and being willing to admit when you don’t know, or you were wrong.
You’re known as a mentor to many; what makes someone worth investing your time in?
I am willing to help anyone who has a desire to be better, especially when they have humility and character. I truly believe everyone has value for others and themselves, perfection is not required—I look for people who want to learn, who care about others, and who are willing to put in the work.
Is there a mentor in your life who changed your trajectory?
Absolutely. The late Pastor Daniel Clayton of Shady Grove Baptist Church demonstrated for me the true meaning of putting others first and the blessings that come with that lifestyle. Emon Mahony, past President of AOG who stressed to me that knowledge is the foundation, but what you do with that knowledge is key to success in business. Relationships are the core of any long-standing success. Kurt Adams, CEO Summit Utilities, pushed me to realize that even when you think you have achieved success and comfort, never stop striving to go above and beyond your comfort zone.
What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving over and over?
How you treat others matters. Lead by example and believe everyone and every interaction provides value, results will follow. That principle has never failed me.
What’s more rewarding to you: building programs or building people?
People—every time. Programs can be replaced. People can’t. Watching someone grow, gain confidence, and succeed is the greatest return on investment there is.
You’ve served with so many local organizations; what keeps you saying yes?
This community has given so much to me and my family. Service isn’t an obligation, it’s gratitude in action.
What community moment has stayed with you emotionally after it happened?
Seeing families helped during difficult times—whether through the United Way, the Boys & Girls Club, or moments when utility service truly made a difference in someone’s life. Those moments remind you why the work matters.
When you think about Fort Smith, what makes this community special to you?
It’s a place where relationships matter. People care about one another, they show up, and they remember who helped them along the way.
If you could wave a magic wand and solve one community issue, what would it be?
Provide the support needed to end homelessness in the community. Physical and mental.
Opportunity; making sure every family had access to quality and affordable childcare that would lay the foundation for access to higher education, stability, and hope for the future.
How has your family kept you grounded through a demanding career?
They reminded me who I really am. No matter what the day brought, home was a place of love, perspective, and accountability.
What have your grandchildren taught you about yourself?
My wife, Carla, daughter, Jasmine, and grandkids, Alani and Siya have taught me to slow down and be present. They remind me that joy is found in simple moments.
Outside of work and service, what brings you real joy?
More time with family, my faith, and going to a Razorback or Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game.
As you step into retirement, what are you most looking forward to?
More time with family, continued service in different ways, and seeing what God has planned for this next season of my life.
When all is said and done, what do you hope your legacy is in this community?
That I served faithfully, led with humility, and helped people along the way. My faith has always guided me, especially through my work at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Roland, where I serve as Chairman of the Deacons and Trustees. If people say, “Fred made a positive difference in my life,” that would be a legacy I would be proud of.
Fred’s career has been defined not by recognition, but by relationships—by showing up, listening well, and putting people first. In every season of life, he has led with intention and integrity, leaving a mark that extends far beyond the workplace. As he looks ahead, his story serves as a reminder that the strongest communities are built by those who lead quietly, serve faithfully, and never lose sight of what matters most.
Fred’s Favorites
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: Olive Garden.
FAVORITE MUSIC RIGHT NOW: Gospel- song, “I Trust in God”, Mark Gutierrez.
FAVORITE FEEL-GOOD MOVIE: War Room.
FAVORITE WAY TO UNWIND: Get in the recliner and watch a thriller movie.
FAVORITE RESET SPOT: My house.
FAVORITE SOURCE OF JOY: My family.
FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION: Decorating for Christmas.
FAVORITE FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF: I love popcorn, particularly movie theater popcorn!
FAVORITE GAME TO WATCH IN PERSON: Basketball—Razorback or OK Thunder.
FAVORITE WEEKEND SPLURGE: Eating out and going to the movies.
FAVORITE DRINK: Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Café.
FAVORITE HOBBY PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW YOU ENJOY: Cutting grass.
FAVORITE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT RETIREMENT SO FAR: Sleeping past 6:30am.
FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A SLOW MORNING: Watching Law and Order reruns.
FAVORITE PLACE IN ARKANSAS TO ESCAPE: Hot Springs.
BUCKET LIST TRIP: Canada, Niagara Falls.
FAVORITE SCRIPTURE THAT GUIDES YOU OR THAT YOU RETURN TO OFTEN: Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
