Garry Clark
Executive Director at Omaha Inland Port Authority | Economic Development Leader |TEDx Keynote Speaker | Author | Spoken Word Poet
- Role
- Executive Director at Omaha Inland Port Authority
- Location
- Omaha, NE, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Garry Clark
Garry Clark Jr. is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and economic development leader whose remarkable journey from inner-city hardship to national boardrooms is as real as it is inspiring. Born and raised in communities marked by poverty, violence, and food insecurity, Garry witnessed the kind of trauma and resilience that shape a life—and redefine a mission. As a child, he navigated neighborhoods where safety was never guaranteed and opportunity felt out of reach. But through the consistent presence of mentors and the transformative power of education, Garry began to rewrite his own story. From those chaotic beginnings, he emerged as a determined student, a first-generation college graduate, and a fierce advocate for change. Education didn’t just change Garry’s life—it saved it. It became the cornerstone of his identity and the fuel behind his purpose. Today, he’s a powerful voice for young people who feel invisible, educators who feel overwhelmed, and communities that feel left behind. Garry also believes deeply in the power of collaboration between urban and rural communities. He has seen firsthand how sharing resources, knowledge, and culture across geographic lines can spark inclusive growth, drive innovation, and heal divides. Through vivid storytelling, humor, and a call to courageous leadership, Garry connects deeply with every audience he meets—whether he\'s speaking to students about grit, educators about impact, or civic leaders about inclusive development. Above all, Garry believes that telling our stories is not just a way to inspire others—but the key to our success, our healing, and our long-term sustainability as individuals and as communities.
Experience
Executive Director
Jul 2025 — Present · Omaha, NE, US
Education
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Master of Science, Urban Studies/Public Administration
2004 — 2006
University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business
Executive Training
2016 — 2016
Dana College
Bachelors, Sociology
1999 — 2004
University of Oklahoma
OU/ Economic Development Institute
2010 — 2012
Skills
- Customer Relations
- Public Relations
- Public Policy
- Program Development
- Negotiation
- Program Management
- Business Strategy
- Government Liaison
- Community Relations
- Fundraising
- Event Planning
- Grants
- Community Development
- Problem Solving
- Entrepreneurship
- New Business Development
- Event Management
- Research
- Strategic Planning
- Customer Service
- Workforce Development
- Administration
- Nonprofits
- Community Economic Development
- Proposal Writing
- Writing
- Marketing
- Budgets
- Team Building
- Economic Development
- Government
- Policy
- Microsoft Office
- Budgeting
- Marketing Communications
- Marketing Strategy
- Non-Profits
- Planning
- Grant Writing
- Media Relations
Find verified contacts for anyone on LinkedIn
Unifers gives sales teams verified emails and direct dials, enriched profiles, and outreach that lands in the inbox.
Free plan included · No credit card required
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.