NEWS | Brian Clark is ready to roll, and ready to listen

Biddeford’s new economic development director says the city is full of potential, and its future is wide open

By RANDY SEAVER | Editor

Just two months ago, Brian Clark was hired to lead Biddeford’s Economic Development Department — and he has already dug deep into his new position, now furtively scanning the horizon – looking around the corner – for the next chapter of the city’s growth and future opportunity.

Clark has stepped into a role that was vacant for several months following the rather abrupt resignation of George Gervais, the former director of the Maine Department of Economic Development who stayed in Biddeford for a little less than 18 months.

Clark, 43, said he is excited about his new position and remains eager to learn more about the city, its culture and current economic landscape. He describes Biddeford as “a city full of incredible potential” and says some of the city’s biggest challenges also played a role in his decision to take on the job.

**BRIAN CLARK** says his development approach is based upon a blend of creativity and established structure. | *Seaver photo*

. . .

“Biddeford has proven that it can do hard things,” Clark said, pointing to both the redevelopment of a sprawling complex of downtown mill buildings and the decision to close a downtown trash-incinerator facility that was the city’s largest taxpayer.

From his second-floor office window in City Hall, Clark points toward the city’s center and says Biddeford has proven that it is both resilient and has a commitment to embrace the future with bold vision.

“Just think about it,” he says, somewhat excitedly. “Redeveloping more than one million square feet of vacant space over a period of just two decades. That doesn’t come together simply or easily – and it doesn’t come together without real commitment and community engagement.”

Clark rejects the idea that the city is somewhat stalled or is being overshadowed by some internal challenges at City Hall.

“There is real momentum here, and it may have leveled off – but it’s still on a good trajectory,” he says.

Biddeford, Clark says, has assets that make it enviable and very attractive for private investment.

As other former mill towns in Maine remain somewhat stagnant in their growth and opportunity, Biddeford is positioned for success and can leverage several of its existing assets, Clark says, rattling off a long list that includes, convenient access to light rail and the I-95 corridor, thriving industrial parks, proximity to both Portland and Boston — and the University of New England.

Clark is no stranger to the world of academia and how colleges and universities operate in their communities. He most recently served as vice president of planning and strategy at Colby College in Waterville, where he managed the college’s long-term and strategic planning, the development of new programs and the development of more than $500 million of new building projects.

“There is real momentum here.
It may have leveled off –
but it’s still on a good trajectory.”
— Brian Clark

During his 10-year career at Colby, Clark also worked closely with municipal leaders in Waterville, including economic development projects in the city’s downtown area, including the development of the Paul J. Schupf Art Center and the Lockwood Hotel.

Clark said he was well aware of the city’s current and increasingly tense relationship with the University of New England. But is also optimistic about the potential for collaboration with the university that could provide direct and tangible community benefits for Biddeford taxpayers.

In fact, Clark’s background in working with academic institutions moved him to the top of the list when the city was interviewing candidates for the economic development director’s job.

“I was really impressed with his background and the way he thinks about partnerships,” said City Councilor Jake Pierson, a member of the team that conducted Clark’s interview.

“He has a perfect combination,” Pierson said. “He is excited about collaboration but is also grounded in his understanding that any project requires community buy-in. He’s the perfected blend of optimism, grounded in reality.”

Clark is a Maine native who grew up in Cape Elizabeth. He met his wife, Katie, while they were students in the fifth-grade.

The couple has an 11-year-old son, Owen.

Clark graduated in 2004 from LaFayette College, where he studied government, law and art. He began his academic journey planning to be an engineer, following a childhood dream of being an architect.

“I’ve always been somewhat linear-orientated,” he said. “A building is only as good as its design, but I also enjoy being creative and seeing how the two things – creativity and structure – can be combined.”

Clark then attended the Muskie School of Public Service, where he earned a master’s degree in public policy.

“Biddeford needs to find
its way forward, and I’m here
to help facilitate that vision.”
— Brian Clark

His first job – out of college – was working at a college – in the admissions department at Saint Joseph’s College in Standish.

Clark and his wife then moved to Chicago, where Katie studied social psychology at Loyola University.

After living in Chicago for several years, the couple moved back to Maine and now live in South Portland.

Despite his enthusiasm and optimism about Biddeford, Clark says it is important for him to better understand the city. He’s setting up meetings with local business leaders and non-government organizations.

“I have lots of ideas and lots of energy, but whatever we do will have to be community-driven,” he explains. “Biddeford needs to find its way forward, and I’m here to help facilitate that vision. The only way I can do that is to listen.”

Clarks says Biddeford has a fascinating history and can create almost any future for itself.

“I’m the kind of guy who is always going to root for the underdog,” he said. “Success cannot be achieved from the outside looking in. The city needs to focus on looking outside from within. Whatever happens needs to be a community decision.”

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