Meet the CEO: Garry Clark, Jr.

As we welcome Garry Clark, Jr. as the new Chief Executive Officer of PartnerTulsa, we’re excited to share more about his extensive background in economic and community development and explore what motivates his passion for this work. With a remarkable career spanning the U.S., Garry brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to our community.

Garry describes what drew him to Tulsa, shares his excitement about upcoming initiatives and projects, and highlights his primary objectives for his first year at PartnerTulsa.

Get to know the new leader of PartnerTulsa and discover what drives his vision for our city.

You have an extensive background in economic and community development throughout the U.S. Could you tell us more about your experience and what drives your passion in this field? 

For almost 20 years, I have been honored with the opportunity to work in the public and private non-profit spaces to develop economic and community development access across the country. I worked on community development block grant projects and tax increment finance projects in Omaha (Nebraska) and Council Bluffs (Iowa). I have had the pleasure of learning the ropes on the municipal and private economic development level, first serving as a City Planner and Main Street manager, economic development specialist, and then as a economic development director and zoning administrator prior to becoming CEO in Nebraska and Washington State. I have had the experience of creating grant programs from scratch, developing business and housing funds, and finding ways to mass promote the communities I’ve worked in. My experience has also allowed me to work in very rural areas that have had more cattle than people; and in places where big projects and commercial development are the norm. I believe my passion for this field stems from my upbringing in Washington, D.C. My experiences as an adolescent allowed me to live through poverty first hand, homelessness first-hand, public housing first hand, and with the proximity to the U.S. governmental areas of our Nation’s Capitol, I could see the economic spectrum in real time. This created a passion in me to be part of the solution to improve  the communities we all live and hope to thrive in and to help  bridge the opportunity gap, while finding pathways that provide equitable services for all. This is a spirit and passion that was instilled in me before I ever graduated from grade school. I believe in people from all corners of the world and their capacity to achieve and do great things that can spur a better quality of life for all.

Why Tulsa? What attracted you to our community? 

Tulsa has a clear combination of history, resources, and desire that I could not overlook in my search for a fulfilling and long-term opportunity. Tulsa’s leadership and vision from a municipal, entrepreneurial, and equity-first space, is the driving force to prosperity for all here. This was a clear incentive for me. Tulsa has estetic beauty and character, and encompasses a great urban and rural mix regionally. The famous quote from Che Guevara states that, “Words are beautiful, but actions are Supreme.” Upon learning about Mayor Bynum, the PartnerTulsa Board of Trustees and staff, and its philanthropic leaders, it was clear to me that measurable, clear impact and sheer action embodies the spirit of the actionable quote from Che Guevara. Tulsa is about action.

Are there any upcoming initiatives or projects that you’re especially excited about, and could you share why they stand out to you? 

Without question, for me it is the Kirkpatrick Heights-Greenwood Master Plan. There is a history and palpable connection to the soul and spirit of Tulsa that seems to directly connect to this project. The investment, development, and completion of this project is the clear impact project for Tulsa. I am also excited about the citywide efforts to create new entrepreneurs, while also working to remedy the housing and homelessness issues within the city. And while we all understand that new business and industry are key to economic growth, a thriving community must be a safe community in order to continue to grow.  I believe in the efforts made by the city to not only further beautify Tulsa, but to also make it abundantly safe in all corners of the city. There are some very unique transformative options for helping to tackle these deep issues. I believe these efforts are at the heart of the equity work that ties into the vision of PartnerTulsa, and I am eager to be part of this effort.

As you embark on your journey with PartnerTulsa, what are the three main objectives you hope to achieve within your first year?

My first objective is to learn and listen to the needs and vision of our community partners and the people of Tulsa. I want to deeply immerse myself in all parts of the community to get a feel for the essence of Tulsa. It is my new home and I want to make sure that I am attentive to all Tulsans. True leadership has a foundation in understanding prior to action. I am eager to build stronger relationships with our community partners, while also finding ways to collaborate for the greater success of Tulsa as a whole. Second, with the help of our PartnerTulsa staff and community leaders, we want to continue to develop a strong storytelling and promotional base tied to the successes and connection here in Tulsa. PartnerTulsa should be more visible and more deeply woven into the elements of all parts of the City of Tulsa. Lastly, our goal collectively will be to complete and achieve our strategic goals set by our leadership and our partners at the City of Tulsa. We want to continue to move the proverbial needle forward to show impact and better equity and liberation for all Tulsans looking to live out the American dream here in the great City of Tulsa.

Could you share a fun fact about yourself? What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work? 

I hold 11 records at my Alma Mater in Nebraska in Track and Field and one national championship in the 600 meter indoor. As far as hobbies, I love playing pickup basketball, and running half marathons. I love reciting spoken word poetry and weaving that into my professional efforts when appropriate, and I’m a fairly decent Karaoke singer. I enjoy coaching hoops with my kids as well. I am big on family cookouts, and usually anything that has to do with boats and being on the water. Last, my family has a very rich and hearty competitive tradition in the Spades card game, and I absolutely enjoy playing cards with family and friends.