Kevin J. Clarke, an independent business consultant who most recently served as chairman and interim CEO of Niko Resources Ltd., has been elected to the Board of Trustees of Niagara University. The 1973 NU graduate’s appointment was announced by the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of the university.
Clarke was named chairman and interim CEO of Niko Resources Ltd., an international oil and gas company, in 2014. He served in this capacity until July 2016, at which point he had developed and began implementation of the organization’s first strategic plan.
From 2010-2013, Clarke served as president and CEO of Catalyst Paper, leading a financial and operational restructuring of the manufacturing company that specializes in pulp and paper for newspapers, magazines and other print applications.
Clarke previously held a variety of leadership positions at Worldcolor (Quebecor World) from 1986-2009, including group president for its publishing services group, where he led institutional strategic planning and strategic business development initiatives.
Throughout his remarkable career as a dynamic senior executive and turnaround specialist, Clarke has been described as a hands-on leader who engages and empowers his employees. He has also dedicated his time to serving in volunteer leadership positions for an assortment of organizations, including the National Literacy Initiative, Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Coast Forest Products Association and Buffalo Niagara Partnership.
Niagara University’s College of Business Administration presented Clarke with its Dean’s Award in October 2008.
Clarke’s wife, Kathryn (Hourihan), is also a 1973 NU graduate. The couple has three children, Erin, Kevin and Megan.