By Economic Alliance Snohomish County | Press Release
Highly Accomplished Leader with Proven Track Record in Economic Development
EVERETT, Wash., January 14, 2021 – Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) announced today that it has named Garry Clark to serve as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.
“I want to welcome Garry Clark to Snohomish County and Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC). We look forward to partnering with him and EASC to expand and diversify our economy. The EASC will have an even more important role as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to working together to support our employers and employees,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers.
Clark recently served as President and CEO of the Greater Fremont Development Council, in Fremont, Nebraska, which is tied to the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. His recent accomplishments include being awarded the Midland Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award for his aggressive workforce housing efforts in Fremont, Nebraska.
“We are all very excited to welcome Garry and his family to Snohomish County. Our Board of Trustees collaborated in a nationwide search to find a candidate with strong economic development skills and an alignment to our vision of skillfully advocating with one voice for Snohomish County businesses,” said Paul Dolan, EASC Board Chair. “Garry’s expertise, energy, and commitment align with this strategic direction. He has the full endorsement of all those involved and we are all certain he will bring a fresh perspective, new ideas, and cohesive partnering across all sectors countywide.”
Clark will replace Chis Mefford, Interim President and CEO, who has served the last six months.
As a regional leader, Economic Alliance Snohomish County exists to be a catalyst for economic vitality resulting in stronger communities, increased job creation, expanded educational opportunities, and improved infrastructure.
“I am extremely excited and grateful, for the opportunity to lead the EASC effort in Snohomish County. I have seen first-hand, the energy of the community, and the very engaged and active leadership. While I have enjoyed my time in Nebraska, there are some exciting things taking place in Snohomish County and I can’t wait to join the effort!” said Clark.
Clark will start February 16, 2021 in his new role as the President and Chief Executive Officer.
About Economic Alliance Snohomish County:
Economic Alliance Snohomish County is a non-profit serving as a combined economic development organization and countywide chamber of commerce. As a public/private partnership of community leaders, businesses, education, and workforce, Economic Alliance Snohomish County is a catalyst for economic vitality resulting in stronger communities, increased job creation, expanded educational opportunities, and improved infrastructure.
About Garry Clark:
Clark has been in the economic development field for 13 years. In early 2019, Clark published his first work as a published author, with the memoir, Unlikely Viking – From the D.C. Projects to Rural Nebraska.
Clark recently completed at TedxOmaha Talk at Creighton University in 2019, his talk was titled, “Running shoes, food stamps, and cornfields “, the talk can be found on YouTube. Clark currently works as the President & CEO of the Greater Fremont Development Council, in Fremont, Nebraska, which is tied to the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce–Economic Partnership, in the Metropolitan Omaha 7 county region. Clark joined the Greater Fremont Development Council in September 2017. Clark currently serves on the Nebraska Economic Development Association Board and is a Leadership Nebraska Alum.
In late, 2018, Clark was awarded the Midland Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award for his aggressive workforce housing efforts in Fremont, Nebraska. 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.
Clark is a father of 3, Azlyn (11), Delano (6), and Camilla (3), and the husband of 14 years to his wife, Tina.
Community Support:
“I am thrilled to welcome Garry aboard as the new CEO for the Economic Alliance. In addition to the excellent strengths and talents he brings to this role, he also brings a dynamic and enthusiastic attitude. I look forward to working together to further strengthen the economic vitality of Everett and Snohomish County,” said Mayor Cassie Franklin, City of Everett.
“Through the national search process, we were able to review and speak to many qualified candidates. I am delighted our first choice Garry Clark has agreed to join EASC. I look forward to a dynamic organization under his leadership that will offer support as we recover from the economic disruption caused by the pandemic. Join me in a warm welcome and offer of support as Garry gets to know Snohomish County,” said Mayor Barb Tolbert, City of Arlington.
“Through a thorough and highly competitive national search, Garry distinguished himself for his leadership, passion, integrity and energy. He will be a tremendous leader for EASC and Snohomish County,” said Bill McSherry, The Boeing Company.
“The Port of Everett is so excited to have Garry and his family as part of our community.” Port CEO Lisa Lefeber said. “Snohomish County is primed to maintain its position as the aerospace capital of the world, and to leverage that expertise to diversify our economy. Garry has just the right passion and energy we need to ensure our County realizes these opportunities.”
“In hiring Garry Clark EASC has landed a great addition to the regional economic development ecosystem. EASC’s Board of Trustees worked hard throughout 2020 to chart a new course for EASC, and Garry makes that vision even more exciting,” said Chris Mefford, Economic Alliance Snohomish County.
“I am eager to welcome Garry Clark to Snohomish County and I am very confident of Garry’s leadership and a bright future for the Economic Alliance Snohomish County! The Economic Alliance plays a crucial role in our region and Garry’s experience and expertise make him a great choice for leading this important work,” said Kim Williams, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.
“I am very excited to welcome Garry and his family to Snohomish County. Garry is an engaging leader who will make a big impact, both as we continue to navigate through near-term challenges and well into the future. I am very optimistic about the future of the Economic Alliance Snohomish County under Garry’s leadership, as the organization continues to play a critical role in the growth and vitality of Snohomish County,” said Scott Strand, BECU.
“I am extremely pleased that Garry Clark has accepted the CEO position with the EASC. He brings to us a strong combination of vision and skills to convert his vision into reality,” said Dr. Amit Singh, Edmonds College.
“Welcome Garry! EASC is excited that you are here. I’m looking forward to the impact EASC has on Snohomish County with you at the helm. Let’s grow together,” said Nancy Ekrem, DME CPA Group
“I am extremely happy to welcome Garry as the new CEO of Economic Alliance Snohomish County and am excited to work closely with Garry to continue to make Snohomish County one of the most prominent places to live and work in the country. Garry’s background and experience will be of tremendous benefit to EASC and our members as we work through challenging times, and beyond, to ensure our community continues to prosper,” said Andy Buchan, Deep Blue Strategic Advisers.
“Having been with the EASC since its founding, I am very excited for the energy, vitality and expertise that Garry will be bringing to the organization,” said Doug Purcell, Purcell Legal & Mediation Services.
“Economic Alliance Snohomish County is very fortunate to enter its second decade under Garry’s leadership, and the local organizations will also benefit from his experience of community engagements. Looking forward to seeing this pairing of the county’s resources with his outstanding leadership,” said Dom Amor, DM Amor Consulting, LLC.
Author: Mario Lotmore
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