Marilyn Clark

Economic Engagement Subcommittee Chair

Marilyn Clark is the inaugural Economic Engagement Manager at the University of Kentucky. In this role, she supports the University's strategic goals to advance Kentucky by developing programs that build the capabilities of small businesses and low to moderate income populations. This approach is designed to enhance the university’s supply chain and foster the economic growth and prosperity of the Commonwealth.

Additionally, she identifies and supports programs and opportunities to enhance workforce development in critical Kentucky industries. She collaborates with internal and external partners to promote career pathways for key industries and sectors and facilitates collaboration across the K-16 ecosystem to enhance workforce development and retention in Kentucky.

Ms. Clark is also a core committee member of the UK Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), a network of campus and community stakeholders overseeing UK’s economic development and business engagement activities. She leads the Economic Engagement Subcommittee, which works to break down barriers and expand opportunities for low to moderate income populations and businesses in Lexington and the Commonwealth.

Before joining the University of Kentucky in January 2021, Marilyn worked in economic development at Fayette County Public Schools and the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government.

Marilyn was the first Black and first female Vice-President and Station Manager for WLEX-TV, the NBC affiliate in Lexington, where she managed programming, news, promotions, and operations. Prior to moving to Lexington, she worked at television stations in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Birmingham.

In 2023, Marilyn made history as the first Black woman, since integration, to be appointed and then elected to the Fayette County Board of Education. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Commerce Lexington. Clark has served on numerous other local boards and received numerous awards for her work.

Ms. Clark holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of North Texas and an Executive MBA from the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville joint program. She completed certificate programs from Cornell University and the University of Houston.