Since Jan. 1, 2021, Brian E. Clark has served as the executive director of the North Carolina State Ports Authority. Prior to that, Clark was appointed chief operating officer in June 2017.
Under Clark’s leadership, North Carolina Ports completed critical infrastructure improvements including container berth renovations, turning basin expansion, air draft improvements, and the addition of three neo-Panamax cranes. Clark is also leading the container terminal master plan aimed at increasing the capacity of the Port of Wilmington. In May 2020, N.C. Ports welcomed its largest container vessel to ever call the Port of Wilmington.
During Clark’s tenure, the Port of Wilmington was recognized by the Journal of Commerce as the most productive port in North America, as well as the fastest growing port in the United States.
Clark has more than 25 years of experience in the maritime industry, having worked in senior positions in port operations in several U.S. locations. Most recently, Clark served as managing director for APM Terminals in Port Elizabeth, N.J. In addition to his time at Port Elizabeth, Clark worked as project director for APM Terminals in Mobile, Ala., and served in various operations roles with APM Terminals and Sea Land Services, Inc.
Clark is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He is also a graduate of Duke University Fuqua School of Business Executive Education Program.
Clark resides in Wilmington with his wife, Jennifer, and three children, Madison, Paige and Gavin.