EVERETT—Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) announced Thursday that is entering a leadership transition as Garry Clark, President and CEO, will be departing the organization to seek new opportunities.
“We are grateful for Garry’s contributions and leadership during his time with us,” stated Rich White, outgoing Chair for EASC’s Board of Trustees. “Garry embodied Snohomish County’s welcoming attitude and affirmed our innovative spirit, and he leaves us with a strong team ready to seize emerging opportunities. The board is committed to continuing the critical work of EASC and driving economic prosperity forward in Snohomish County.”
Clark joined EASC on February 16, 2021, replacing Chis Mefford, as the organization’s Interim President and CEO. The board of directors is actively engaged in the process of selecting a new leader to ensure a smooth transition and to build on recent successes under Clark’s leadership.
Clark has been involved in economic development for over 20 years, and prior to EASC, spending the last three years as the president and CEO of the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC) in Fremont, Nebraska. Before joining GFDC, he spent over a year as the opportunity fund manager at the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority and nearly six years as the Economic Development Director for Cuming County Economic Development in Nebraska.
While in Fremont, Clark was awarded the Midland Business Journal’s 40 under 40 Award for his rural workforce housing efforts.
In a 2021 interview with the Lynnwood Times, Clark shared that what drove him to accept the top job at EASC was that the role provided him an opportunity to lead in a county with a preexisting vibrant opportunity for economic growth.
“It just seemed like a match made in heaven for me,” he said.
Clark is also the author of “Unlikely Viking: From D.C. Projects to Rural Nebraska,” a memoir on his upbringing and discovering the way to doing his part to make a difference in the world. His childhood had a tremendous influence on his passion for economic development, he said, as it paved the way for him to have a direct impact on the communities he grew up in.
Garry received his BA in Sociology from Dana College, Blair, N.E. and his Master of Science in Urban Studies/Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Although his Alma mater (Dana College) is no more, Garry was inducted into the Dana College Hall of Fame for Track and Field in 2010 and received the Outstanding Young Alum Award in 2018. He holds 11 records (most ever in the school’s history) and was the first male National Champion for Dana College.
Prior to his work in Nebraska, Clark started out as a City Planner-Mainstreet Manager and Economic Development Specialist in Florida and in Washington, D.C.
Garry Clark is a father of 3, Azlyn, Delano, and Camilla, and the husband of 17 years to his wife, Tina.
The EASC board reaffirms its steadfast commitment to its mission of fostering economic growth, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the vitality of the community. During this transition, day-to-day operations remain uninterrupted.
About Economic Alliance Snohomish County: As the largest regional economic development organization in Snohomish County, and county-wide chamber of commerce, Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) supports a globally competitive regional economy in which all businesses can thrive and participate equally.
Author: Mario Lotmore
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