Ron J Clark

Mentor, Business Man, Servant Leader

Ron J. Clark possesses over 15 years of experience developing and implementing program services targeting fathers, fatherless males, and young unwed parents. He holds a M.A. in Public Policy and a MBA Executive Education Certificate.

In 1997, the City of Virginia Beach, VA. presented him the City Manager's Award for his efforts. In 1998, he received a special appointment by the State Attorney General to serve as special advisor to the Attorney General's Taskforce on Gang and Youth Violence. In 1999, he was appointed by the State Secretary of Health and Human Services to serve on the Child Support Enforcement Guidelines and Review Board. He has presented at the National Fatherhood Summit in 1998, 1999 and 2000. In 2001, he was recognized for his leadership efforts at the International Fatherhood Conference. In 2004, he was selected to participate on the US Center For Disease Control's Grant Review Committee. He served as the Director of the Virginia Governor's Fatherhood Campaign for 7 years, where he led the state's effort to improve the social and health outcomes of children through father involvement.

He has also served as a State Program Administration Specialist for the Federal USDA WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program from 2004 to 2006.

From 2006 to 2007, he served as the Director of Training and Technical Assistance for the Federal Office of Family Assistance National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse.

Today, he serves as the National Director of Community-based Programming for the National Fatherhood Initiative. In this position, he facilitates the provision of training and technical assistance to family service providers in order increase their capacity to support fathers and their families. He is regularly called up to consult, write and speak on the important issues of fatherhood and male responsibility.

The Early Years

Ron’s father was absent while growing up. Ron grew up in Public Housing.

In high school, Ron was assigned an oral presentation for class. He was given, “The American Family” as his topic. His research drew him to the role of men in the family, something he’d never seen.

He began to see the importance of an involved father and the curse that father absence brings on a family.

His Christian Influence

Ron experienced racism from classmates.

Many in the African American community accused Ron of “trying to be white” because he was focused in school and staying out of trouble.

Christians were the only group that accepted him unconditionally.

Because of their ministry, he went from being “religious” to having a relationship with Christ.

Education Background

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7
• Master of Arts, Public Policy, Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA
• Rathbone Fellow, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
• Bachelor of Arts, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida
• 1997 Sorenson Fellow, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
• 2004 Harvard Univ. Business School Executive Education Program, Boston, MA
• 2005 MBA Certificate, University of Richmond School of Business, Richmond, VA
  

Fatherhood Ministry on the National Level

Ron currently serves as the National Director of Training and Technical Assistance for the National Fatherhood Initiative, and Provides training and technical support to 100 organizations as part of a $50 million federal fatherhood project.

Consultant, Administration of Children and Families, Head Start Male Involvement Project – 2006

Chairman, Federal Department of Health & Human Services – 2006

Consultant, National Partnership for Community Leadership, 1999 - 2004

The Struggle

During his time with the Virginia Fatherhood Campaign, feminists groups tried to vilify the VFC by saying they condoned domestic violence.

In 2004, the Virginia Fatherhood Campaign was closed; a result of politics.
Ron was transferred to another department within the Virginia Department of Health where he remained for two years. Even though he had a job, he wasn ’t allowed to work his “calling.”

He lost many “friends” as a result of the Fatherhood Campaign closing. “I had nothing to offer them, politically or financially.”

The Glory

During this time, God began to birth a new passion in Ron’s life – real estate. “ I had a desire to give more financially, but in order to give more, you have to make more.” He began reading The Wall Street Journal and became involved in property acquisitions. Ron continued to minister to fathers through his radio ministry, speaking at conferences, and launching a new website, www.ronjclark.org.

Business for a Purpose

Moving Forward

Recently created a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) for business ventures.

Plan to purchase more properties and diversify business opportunities.

His goal is to not depend on others for income.

After retirement, his goal is to provide funding, through revenues from his businesses, to programs that minister to fathers and fragile families.

Accomplishments & Awards

Author of “Father Involvement: For such a time as this.”

2007 Keynote Speaker, Administration For Children & Families Responsible Fatherhood Conference

2007 Board Member, Newport News Neighborhood Credit Union

2006 Keynote Speaker, National Seventh Day Adventist Family Conference

2003 Cited in the National Research Publication entitled Effective Programs, (Social Policy Action Network, Washington, D.C.)

2001 Spirit of Fatherhood Award recipient, NPCL International Fatherhood Conference

1999 Featured Parenting Specialist in Emmy Nominated Non-marital birth Documentary, Stacking The Deck

1997-1998 City Managers Award for Innovation, Creativity, and Public Service