Denver mourns the loss of Tom Clark, a legendary figure who not only shaped Colorado’s economic landscape but also captured the hearts and minds of those he mentored. A steadfast leader, Tom Clark passed this week at the age of 75 after battling frontotemporal dementia.
The Architect of Regional Collaboration
Known affectionately as the “Godfather of Regionalism,” Tom Clark’s career in economic development was marked by a unique vision that prioritized cooperation over competition. His leadership at the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp was defined by this ethos, creating a model of regional collaboration that has been emulated on a global scale. According to BizWest, his approach to unifying communities around a shared goal is a cornerstone of Denver’s continued prosperity.
A Storied Career
Clark’s journey began in political organizing and state government in Illinois, later leading him to Colorado, where he played a crucial role in bringing the Anheuser-Busch brewery to Fort Collins. This act alone underscored his ability to turn visions into tangible community benefits. However, his career was not without setbacks, as evidenced by his Florida venture, impacted by the savings-and-loan crisis, a testament to his resilience and adaptability.
A Mentor and Trailblazer
Throughout his various roles, Clark remained a mentor and a friend, leaving a profound impact on many, including Raymond Gonzales, the current president of Metro Denver EDC. Clarke was known for teaching others how to lead with integrity, a lesson that remains invaluable not only to those he worked with but also to the broader economic community.
A Legacy That Lives On
Even as his illness progressed, Tom Clark’s spirit and contributions to the community left an indelible mark. His work with the Boulder Chamber and the Boulder Economic Council further demonstrated his commitment to fostering growth and collaboration across Colorado. His long-time colleague Clif Harald reflected on Clark’s philosophy of inclusion, encapsulated in the credo, “Invite everyone into the tent.”
Remembering Tom Clark
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, alongside the Metro Denver EDC, plans to honor Tom Clark’s life and contributions with a celebration on April 8. This event will bring together those whose lives he touched, reminding us of the powerful legacy left by a man whose vision of unity and progress transformed a state and its people.
Tom Clark may have departed, but his spirit lives on in the thriving economic environment he helped build—a testament to a life well-lived in service of others.
As stated in BizWest, the impact of Tom Clark’s leadership continues to resonate in the hearts of the community and the systems he helped shape.
