After almost 20 years behind the desk at the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC), Executive Director, Bill Trickey will be stepping aside. With Trickey graciously being agreeable to a flexible exit date, the search committee was able to take the time needed to evaluate and qualify their choice for the incoming Executive Director. After an extensive review and processing of multiple candidates, the CCDC Board welcomes Andrew B. Clark to the position starting in September of 2024.
Andrew B. Clark
Andrew is no stranger to Clarke County and the CCDC. As Owner and Managing Director of SPOKE Communications, he has worked with the development corporation, its members and the community since early in 2011. Once charged with helping the CCDC, and subsequently a number of local businesses and regional municipalities build their strategic communications efforts, Andrew developed the base of what is now ClarkeCountyLife.com. That effort of spreading CCDC and community news, events, and information has been the bulk of his duties through SPOKE for more than a decade.
“The CCDC board owes many thanks to Bill Trickey who drove CCDC’s positive momentum during his tenure.
Looking forward, we’re pleased to have Andrew joining us in this new capacity. Combined with already knowing CCDC’s philosophy, he brings personal and professional skills that will continue the organization’s successful contributions to south-central Iowa.
Now, if we could only get him to add an ‘e’ to his last name!” says Kevin Emanuel, President, CCDC.
As a business owner, Andrew’s experiences include the development and execution of corporate communications strategies for companies ranging from independent, start-up consultants to multi-million-dollar, international manufacturers. With years developing and supporting the CCDC and local businesses with their marketing, sales, and development efforts the transition from communications partner to CCDC Executive Director should be a smooth one.
“I first began working with Andrew when I was COO of the Des Moines Buccaneers. We were challenged with finding ways to sell tickets to Junior A Hockey with a new pro team playing at Wells Fargo. What most impressed me about Andrew then and now is his Critical Thinking Skills. That combined with tremendous marketing and communication talent make him a great choice for our organization. His work for us here has provided the community an opportunity to get to know him and him, an opportunity to get to know the community. I believe he is a perfect fit for the organization,” stated exiting CCDC Executive Director Bill Trickey.
A consummate communicator and marketing strategist, Clark looks to bring a strong focus on responsible community growth to the position and continue building on the successes of the last decade through CCDC and ClarkeCountyLife. With strong relationships with local and regional manufacturers, state and regional development organizations, as well as more than 20 years of his own business entrepreneurship and ownership, Andrew looks to make the CCDC an even stronger partner for the community and CCDC members. He also wants to work on strategies to reach beyond the borders of the county and grow the development corporation as an information resource for businesses looking for opportunities in south-central Iowa.
Bill Trickey
Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Andrew and Sharon, his wife of 30 years are parents to three grown children who live across the country. The Clarks will be moving to the area as soon as possible to start their new lives as part of this community.
Bill Trickey’s tenure with the CCDC will come to an official close in December of this year. As the transition from one Executive Director to a new one is made, the CCDC will continue to focus on supporting community development, driving economic and business growth, as well as highlighting all the best there is in Clarke County, Iowa.