About The Speaker
Clarke Becker is the President/CEO of the Colorado Rural Development Council since May of 2003.  A resident of Woodland Park, Colorado for almost 28 years, he was born in Colorado Springs. Clarke graduated from Baker University with a degree in Secondary Education.  Following graduation, he taught high school Physical Education and Coached Football and Basketball and at Woodland Park High School for 8 years.

Clarke was the Executive Director of the Teller County Economic Development Council from 1993 to 2003, which was preceded by 10 years as a representative in insurance and financial services.

Clarke’s public service involvement has been concurrent with much of his time as Executive Director of the TCEDC.  Clarke served the City of Woodland Park as a Planning Commissioner, Councilman and Mayor from 1986 to 1996.  In 1996 he was elected to the Teller County Board of Commissioners, serving through July of 2003.

Other organizations in which Clarke is involved or has been involved include:

  • Founding Member and Past Chair of Action 22, Inc;
  • Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, Two Terms as Chairman;
  • Pikes Peak Workforce Investment Board Member, Executive Committee Chair
  • Chairman of the Workforce Development Transition Task Force;
  • Colorado Counties, Inc (CCI) General Government and Tax and Finance Committee Chair
  • BLM Front Range Advisory Committee
  • Economic Developers’ Council of Colorado (EDCC) Board of Directors
  • Colorado Alliance for Microenterprise Initiatives (CAMI);
  • Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board since April of 2003;
  • SB208 Healthcare Reform Commission Member, November, 2006

 Clarke has been recognized by his peers as:

  • 1999 CCI Commissioner of the Year;
  • 2005 EDCC Economic Developers’ Achievement Award.

 As President/CEO of CRDC, Clarke works to be a Dedicated Voice for Rural Colorado. CRDC, in concert with our Federal, State and Local partners, deals with issues relating to Community/Economic Development and Infrastructure, Healthcare and Telecommunications.

Topic Synopsis: "Making a Business Case for Rural Colorado!"
Clarke will be speaking to:
The Challenge for Rural Colorado
A New Compact for Rural Colorado, which includes;
. THE VOICE OF RURAL COLORADO
. ECONOMIC VIABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN RURAL AREAS
. CONNECT RESOURCES TO PEOPLE
. IGNITE INNOVATION
The Purpose of Economic Development and Technology
Common Challenges facing Rural Colorado Communities
Successes and opportunities for Success in Rural Colorado