MBN USA

July 11, 2024

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Clark is the university's economic inclusion manager

Marilyn F. Clark, economic inclusion manager for the University of Kentucky, was named “Corporate Representative of the Year” by the TriState Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC) last month. Clark was recognized for being a strong supporter in promoting supplier diversity and minority business development.

“This honor is very special to me because this award was vetted and given by the certified minority businesses of TSMSDC. Any award comes as a result of teamwork. I appreciate the leadership from Barry Swanson and the dedication of the Procurement Services team,” said Clark. “Economic Inclusion is about making sure every Kentuckian has a seat at the table and access to opportunities to build a safe and secure financial future. Business ownership is a proven way to build generational wealth. I am very passionate about the innovative work we are doing to build sustainable businesses in Kentucky.”

Clark received the award at the Impact Awards Gala, held virtually on April 25. Cheri Henderson, president and CEO of the TSMSDC, welcomed viewers to the event to celebrate the remarkable achievements of corporate members and certified minority businesses across the council’s three-state region: Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. In leveraging certified minority businesses, the council is the connecting link to profitable relationships among its stakeholders, locally, regionally and nationally.

As UK’s economic inclusion manager, Clark works across the enterprise to increase spending with diverse suppliers. She works closely with the procurement team, project managers and departments to introduce minority, women, veterans and disabled and LGBTQ-owned businesses into the UK supply chain.  In addition, Clark leads the Equitable Economic Development Committee, a subcommittee of the University of Kentucky’s Economic Development Collaborative.

“Marilyn does great work in the area of economic inclusion at UK, in the Lexington community and across the entirety of the Commonwealth,” said Swanson, UK’s chief procurement officer.  “Her work is important, and I am very happy to see her work not only being acknowledged here in Kentucky, but also across the larger tri-state region."

Other honors recognized at the Impact Awards included “Corporation of the Year,” awarded to Toyota and “Impact of the Year,” awarded to Herman Williams, M.D., president of HW Healthcare Solutions in Nashville.

Clark had previously won the “Impact of the Year” award in