John Clark

Senior Director, State Government Relations

About

Extensive and varied experience as state government relations director and as sales manager/strategist for the past 20 years. Interested in working on the state level to identify and close large-scale opportunities and promote organizational goals. Excellent sales record. Strong ability to build relationships and secure contracts. Proven track record of utilizing political climate to position educational programs for governors’ signatures and state department adoption. Experience with developing strategic plans and successfully leading an implementation team. Outstanding writing, interpersonal and presentation skills. Adept at interacting with educational and political leaders at the highest levels.

Country

United States

City

Austin

Industry

Education Management

Skill

Strategy, Writing, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, Presentation Skills

Experience

Senior Director, State Government Relations

ACT, Inc.

2019-7 - Present · 7 yrs 3 mos

Lead GR team to advance ACT's mission and protect its interests in all 50 states.

Director Of Government Relations

ACT, Inc.

2016-7 - 2019-7 · 3 yrs 1 mo

• Advanced company interest as registered lobbyist in 10 states, managed external lobbyists in 5 states • Aligned legislator and governors’ goals with ACT assessment programs, promoted favorable legislation, led campaigns to cancel legislation counter to the organization's interest • Statewide assessment programs enacted in TX, KS, OK, and AZ

Lead State Strategist

ACT

2015-3 - 2017-7 · 2 yrs 5 mos

• Analyze statewide opportunities in MI, MS, LA, OH, UT, OK, TX, build relationships with state leaders and influencers, lead strategies to address state pain points • Provide testimony, influence forthcoming RFPs, gather intel, write executive summary responses tailored to individual state needs and circumstances for state contract bids • Lead strategy team from various company divisions in changing five state territory to close contracts

Senior Account Manager

ACT

2012-12 - 2015-3 · 2 yrs 4 mos

• Represented company for Louisiana Department of Education’s adoption of statewide census testing at grades 8, 10 and 11; Managed the contract and state relationships • Secured adoption of employability assessments in LA career education statewide = • Led effort in Kansas to increase volume and position for state adoption ACT programs with state councils, Higher Ed Regents, Department of Education and Chamber of Commerce

Senior Consultant

ACT

2005-8 - 2012-12 · 7 yrs 5 mos

• Responsible for servicing, maintaining and renewing statewide contract with the Louisiana Board of Regents for 8th grade and 10th grade assessment programs. Transitioned contract to LDOE • Presented ACT solutions to state and district level audiences in NM, OK, TX, LA, AR • Delivered ACT’s largest district contract in Texas for middle and high school assessments

Educational Consultant

ACT

2002-3 - 2005-9 · 3 yrs 7 mos

• Responsible for establishing a statewide employability certificate program in Oklahoma to certify workplace skills • Researched state-specific legislation, conducted sales presentations, trained clients, collaborated with administrators to improve workforce programs in five state territory

Associate Consultant

ACT

2001-2 - 2002-3 · 1 yr 2 mos

• Oversaw sales in 5 states for career guidance software in secondary and post-secondary markets • Trained counselors on-site, presented at conferences, conducted continuing education workshops for professional counselors

Career Counselor

The University of Texas at Austin

1999-8 - 2001-2 · 1 yr 7 mos

• Interpreted results of interests and personality assessments, conducted career workshops • Counseled students, supervised intern counselors, developed plans to market services • Coordinated spring liberal arts career fair and recruited employers