1985
1990
1988 Graduated from West Virginia University with a BS in accounting 1989 Received a master ’ s degree in professional accounting from WVU 1989 Joined Simpson & Osborne , CPAs , AC as a staff accountant
“ I am always trying to figure out how to help our economy . I believe we all have a responsibility in fixing the problems in our communities and our state .”
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2000 Named a partner at Simpson & Osborne
2001 Named president of the Junior League of Charleston
2008 Joined the team at Suttle & Stalnaker PLLC
2009 Graduated from Leadership West Virginia
2014 Named chair of the board of the YMCA of Kanawha Valley job was with her church , Christ Church United Methodist .
“ My church used to serve lunch after Sunday services , and they employed the youth to work as wait staff . I learned many valuable lessons , including how to plan and set up for the expected number and how to manage the overall food service process ,” she says . “ Those small earnings are still reflected on my annual Social Security benefit statement , and it always makes me smile .”
Today , Clark serves Christ Church as a member of the finance and liturgical committees as well as the board of trustees . She has also held leadership positions with the YWCA , Junior League of Charleston and Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences .
“ There are several reasons why it ’ s important for me to give back ,” says Clark . “ First , as a Christian , the scripture passage from Luke , which reads ‘ to whom much is given , much will be required ,’ is always in my head . I also remember at my dad ’ s retirement party he said he had lived his life serving God , his family and his fellow man . My dad died about three months later , and those words echo in my head . At the end of my road on this earth , I want to know I lived my life that way , too .”
Among her many volunteer placements focused on at-risk children , she also served as the co-chair of Whale of a Sale , a daylong , second-hand sale at the Charleston Civic Center . Before the days of Walmart and consignment stores , this sale of clothing , furniture and home goods made it easy for the community to shop affordably .
Starting her career at Simpson & Osborne , the CPAs pushed Clark to learn all she could , a sentiment she now shares as a mentor . “ They were quick to teach and ready to listen if I had a concern , and they never held back when I needed constructive criticism ,” she says . “ I learned from them not only how to be a trusted advisor but also how to be an effective leader .”
Clark has also made an effort to be a role model and mentor for her daughter , her daughter ’ s friends and the athletes she coached in the Charleston Church Recreation Association basketball league . “ It has helped me understand what issues young people face today ,” she says . “ I try to offer coping tools to help them get through these issues .”
At the end of the day , it ’ s her love for her home state that keeps her motivated .
“ Knowing that people need the knowledge I have and that I can help more people if I keep at it keeps me going ,” says Clark . “ I am always trying to figure out how to help our economy . I believe we all have a responsibility in fixing the problems in our communities and our state .” •
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