About

Kate Kirkwood is a nationally recognized expert in lead paint safety, childhood lead poisoning prevention, and healthy homes. She is the founder of K. Kirkwood Consulting, LLC and the creator of Lead-EDU, an educational and training platform that provides EPA and HUD–certified lead safety courses across the United States.

With over 30 years of experience in business consulting and education, Kate began her career as a college professor before transitioning into entrepreneurship and public health advocacy. Today, she leads multiple initiatives focused on protecting families, supporting contractors, and helping communities navigate the complexities of lead safety regulations.

Kate holds numerous national and state certifications, including EPA/HUD Certified and Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP). She is also a certified lead abatement contractor and has worked extensively with federal, state, and local programs, helping secure and manage millions of dollars in funding for lead hazard control and healthy homes projects.

As a speaker and educator, Kate has trained thousands of contractors, landlords, and professionals, and is frequently invited to present at conferences, workshops and industry events . She has also delivered a TEDx talk on the risks of lead exposure and is widely recognized for her ability to break down complex regulations into practical, real-world solutions.

In addition to her consulting and training work, Kate is an author of educational books including “A Parent’s 5 Step Guide to Lead Poisoning” and “Skylar Learns About Lead Poisoning.” Her mission is to make lead safety information simple, accessible, and actionable—empowering families, property owners, and professionals to create safer, healthier living environments.