In our 2024 issue, we’re shining the light on some outstanding leading lads for all their accomplishments and contributions to society.
CLARK ELLISON
VP, Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas
Clark Ellison was born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri. He received a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications/Graphic Arts from Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri) in Warrensburg, Missouri. In March 1991, he moved to Rogers and in November that year, he married his wife Karen. They have two children, Carli and Chuck, and a doodle named Opal. From 1991-98, he worked for Springdale Memorial Hospital, now called Northwest Health. In 1999, he started working at St. Mary’s Hospital, now Mercy Health System. His roles at Mercy have included marketing, public relations, community education, volunteer services and now the foundation. In 2014, his responsibilities expanded to include Mercy foundations in Fort Smith; Hot Springs; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Laredo, Texas. He is now vice president of Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas.
Education:
B.A. Mass Communications/Graphic Arts, Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri) in Warrensburg, Missouri
Best part of your job:
I would have to say the best part of my job are the people I get to work with, meet with, and collaborate with – and the impact those relationships have for Mercy, our patients and our community. My job isn’t a routine job – there is something different every day where I can use my experience and creativity to further Mercy’s mission.
First big break:
I would say my first big break would be at Springdale Memorial being hired as the Assistant Director of Development. A close second would be after being hired at Mercy-St. Mary’s for four years – leadership at the time began talking about a new replacement hospital on Interstate 540 (at the time). My responsibilities at the time included marketing, public relations, volunteer services and the foundation. With the new hospital plans, it was determined that a $40 million capital campaign would be needed. I had the opportunity to focus on marketing/public relations of the capital campaign with the foundation. I remember thinking, the foundation work would be a new challenge and I’d still be able to use my marketing/public relations skills in this role, and I guess you can say the rest is history!
One thing you’d love to master:
I still have the dream to learn to play the ginormous pipe organ at St. Vincent de Paul Church – maybe in retirement!
Quality you admire most in others:
Trustworthiness
What nonprofits are you involved with and why?
Currently I’m on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, and serve on the compliance, finance and development committees. I first became acquainted with the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas through my work with the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center in Hot Springs when I was asked to assist the Mercy owned center with fundraising activities. It didn’t take long to realize the amazing work our CAMCAC coworkers do every day, and the support they provide to children and their families truly touched my heart. The CAMCAC is part of the CAC-AR, a network of 30 Child Advocacy Centers throughout the state of Arkansas.
What do you do for fun? Any hobbies?
“Family Fun Time” has to be at the top of my list. This is our family’s coined phrase when we get to spend time together as a family. I also enjoy fishing, hunting, trap and skeet shooting, golfing, and Razorback sports.
Personal Mantra:
Always be present, and lean in to any circumstance you can add value to.
Best advice you’ve ever received:
Be present.
Best part of your day:
I do like my first cup of coffee. Fun fact, I’ve always loved the aroma of coffee and never drank it until the pandemic … I guess good things did come from the pandemic.
Surprising fact about you:
I think reading a book is boring.
Do you still seek out mentors or mentees?
I can’t say I have just one mentor. I’ve learned to seek advice and guidance from many of my friends and co-workers depending on the circumstance.
How do you stay motivated?
Knowing every day that what I do professionally helps support my family and has an impact on others – making my co-workers lives a little brighter, and those who come to Mercy are cared for with state-of- the-art tools and a caring environment.
If you won the lottery, what cause or organization would you support?
Mercy, of course – then a house on the beach, one on a lake and one in the mountains!
You can view Clark’s page in the Leading Ladies segment of the 2024 3W Magazine here.