Barry Kienzle was born, raised and educated in northern Kentucky and is in every sense, a Kentucky boy, proud of his heritage and the state he calls home. As such, he is very familiar with its history and culture and feels honored that his first novel, The Crossings, is a story with northern Kentucky origins. He is the oldest of seven children, although by minutes, as he has a twin sister and four other sisters and a brother, who also has a twin sister. He’s married with two daughters, four granddaughters and a grandson, who has a twin sister as well. In the past his father George would comment, “The only way we get a boy in this family is to have a girl born with him.” The tradition continues.

 

Barry studied Accounting at Northern Kentucky University, became a CPA and worked primarily in the accounting and finance areas in construction and real estate development companies, currently as a semi-retired CFO. Prior to his financial career retirement, he ventured toward a second career in writing and felt compelled to begin it with a novel about an amazing venture of his father’s who, in 1932 hopped a freight train and rode it to New Orleans to see the Mardi Gras.

 

His father rarely spoke of it, but Barry knew enough to a write a story based on the trip, interweaving other facts and information about his father which he had learned over time. Those who had suffered through the Great Depression often relayed stories of that era to their children, some to instill upon them some lessons of life, and at other times to point out how much better off their children were than when they were young. Either way, those stories were invaluable in framing the background as it existed at that time as well as painting the picture for the reader. He followed The Crossings with its sequel, The Indian, which draws upon his father's experiences through World War II.

 

Barry’s devotion to the community has led him to serve on many boards over time including Habitat for Humanity, senior citizens groups, school and other capital raising campaigns and other not-for-profit organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Northern Kentucky University Foundation and the Advisory Board of BB&T. He enjoys spending time with family and friends whenever possible.