EVERETT — The CEO of Economic Alliance Snohomish County is stepping down after three years.
Garry Clark, who has held the post since February 2021, is leaving to seek new opportunities, the alliance said Thursday in a statement.
The economic development group serves as a countywide chamber of commerce. The nonprofit aims to foster a competitive regional economy where businesses can thrive and participate equally.
“We are grateful for Garry’s contributions and leadership during his time with us,” said Rich White, the group’s outgoing Board of Trustees chair, in a statement.
“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,” White added. “The board is committed to continuing the critical work of Economic Alliance and driving economic prosperity forward in Snohomish County.”
Clark could not be reached for comment.
The board of directors has begun the process of selecting a new leader. Day-to-day operations remain uninterrupted, the group said.
Under Clark’s watch as president and CEO, Economic Alliance launched SnoCODE in 2021, a diversity, equity and inclusion initiative with local employers and regional partners.
“Clark’s tenure marked significant advances in realizing Economic Alliance Snohomish County objectives, for which the organization extends its sincere appreciation,” the group said in a statement.
Clark replaced Chris Mefford, interim president from October 2020 to March 2021. Before that, Dom Amor served as interim president from March 2020 to September 2020. Amor and Mefford stepped in after CEO Patrick Pierce’s departure in 2020.
Before taking the lead at Economic Alliance, Clark served as president and CEO of the Greater Fremont Development Council, a nonprofit affiliated with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Before that, he worked as the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority’s opportunity fund manager in Omaha.
Clark is also the author of “Unlikely Viking: From the D.C. Projects to Rural Nebraska,” a memoir recounting his childhood.
The Economic Alliance was formed in 2011 in a merger between three groups: the Economic Development Council of Snohomish County, the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce and the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce. Its aims include providing a unified voice for the county in Olympia and Washington, D.C.
The alliance supports job growth, commercial airline service at Paine Field and development of the Cascade Industrial Center, which spans Marysville and Arlington. It also promotes efforts to improve STEM education and opportunities for children.
Janice Podsada: 425-339-3097; jpodsada@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @JanicePods.
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