Brian E. Clark has served as Executive Director of the North Carolina State Ports Authority since January 1, 2021. Under Clark’s leadership, North Carolina Ports has completed several critical infrastructure upgrades, including a new South Gate container complex, an expanded refrigerated container yard, a new intermodal rail yard, and new neo-Panamax cranes and general cargo gantry cranes. In addition, Clark is overseeing the container terminal master plan, aimed at expanding capacity at the Port of Wilmington, as well as the general cargo master plan, expected to modernize and drive strategic growth at facilities in Wilmington and Morehead City. He is also leading the organization-wide adoption of the new 2031 Strategic Plan, which will guide corporate strategy over the next five years for the Port of Wilmington, the Port of Morehead City, and the Charlotte Inland Port.
During Clark’s tenure, the Port of Wilmington’s container terminal was recognized as the #1 most productive port in North America and the 44th most productive port in the world by the World Bank Group and S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Clark has more than thirty years of experience in the maritime industry, having worked in senior positions in port operations in several US locations. Prior to his tenure at North Carolina Ports, Clark served as Managing Director for APM Terminals in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey. In addition to his time at Port Elizabeth, Clark worked as Project Director for APM Terminals in Mobile, Alabama and served in various operations role with APM Terminals and Sea Land Services, Inc in his early career.
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, NC with his wife, Jennifer and three children, Madison, Paige, and Gavin.
