PartnerTulsa Announces New Chief Executive Officer, Garry Clark, Jr.

PartnerTulsa, in collaboration with the City of Tulsa, announces the selection of Garry Clark, Jr. as Chief Executive Officer, effective Aug. 15, 2024. He brings 18 years of experience in economic and community development across the U.S.

“PartnerTulsa was founded on the belief that we can use economic development to create equality of opportunity in our city,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “Garry has a deep understanding of this mission and a demonstrated capacity for building the relationships necessary to make it a reality in Tulsa. He will be a strong leader in our community, and I am excited for PartnerTulsa to go to the next level with Garry at the helm.”

Clark will direct and manage operations for the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity (aka PartnerTulsa) – the City of Tulsa’s economic development organization and the Tulsa Development Authority, advancing organizational missions to increase shared prosperity and racial equity. 

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected as the next leader for PartnerTulsa,” added Clark. “Thanks to Mayor G.T. Bynum and the PartnerTulsa Board of Trustees, I have the opportunity of a lifetime.  I look forward to collaborating with many of Tulsa’s community-driven organizations to reach the goal of economic opportunity for all Tulsans. I believe this goal will be reached by utilizing the holistic approach to economic and community development. Learning about the deep history of Tulsa, coupled with its world-class vision for its future, is what inspired me to seek out this opportunity. I am excited to join the community of Tulsa, and help to lead in creating equitable growth and economic vitality for all Tulsans.”

Clark most recently served as the President and CEO of Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) in Washington, an organization representing over 840,000 residents and including major entities such as the Port of Everett, the Tulalip Tribes and The Boeing Company.  Under his leadership, EASC received the 2023 NAACP Civic Leadership Award for efforts to create an equity and inclusion chamber of commerce.

“The Personnel Committee is thrilled to announce the appointment of Garry as the new CEO of Partner Tulsa,” said Elian Hurtado, PartnerTulsa Board of Directors and personnel committee chairperson. “We are excited about the vision he brings to our organization. Gary’s extensive personal and professional experiences have equipped him with the sensibility, commitment and passion necessary to help others and create opportunities for all. We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly make in this new role.” 

Reporting to the TAEO Board of Trustees, Clark will manage a diverse asset portfolio and lead core economic development functions, including expanding prime, affordable housing, fostering creation of and access to quality jobs, supporting the growth of vibrant neighborhoods and commercial spaces, and managing public finance and incentive programs.

“Garry brings a unique combination of proven economic development expertise, as well as housing finance that set him apart for this role. We look forward to expanding the reach of PartnerTulsa through his leadership,” added Michelle Barnett, interim Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development for PartnerTulsa.

Clark has held leadership positions with North Capitol Main Street in Washington D.C., Greater Fremont Development Council, Fremont, Nebraska, Cuming County Nebraska and the City of Newberry, Florida. He was the National President for the National Rural Economic Developers Association in 2021 and received the Midland Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award in 2018 for his workforce housing efforts. Clark has also contributed as a community columnist for the Omaha World-Herald and is a nationally recognized speaker on economic development, motivation and inclusion.

Clark holds a BA in Sociology from Dana College and a Master of Science in Urban Studies/Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Clark is also a published author, having released his memoir, “Unlikely Viking – From the D.C. Projects to Rural Nebraska,” in 2019. His TEDxOmaha Talk, “Running Shoes, Food Stamps, and Cornfields,” was delivered at Creighton University.

Clark succeeds Kian Kamas, who left PartnerTulsa in June, 2024 following a successful career as a top economic development leader for the City since 2017 and PartnerTulsa’s first Executive Director. Clark was selected after an extensive national search began in April, 2024 by Winner Partners. More than 300 potential candidates were vetted and the four top candidates were interviewed by PartnerTulsa staff, board members and community stakeholders. Upon collective feedback, the personnel committee for the Partner Tulsa Board of Directors (aka TAEO) recommended Clark and the full Board approved his contract on July 12, 2024.