New director for Omaha Inland Port Authority

June 14, 2025, Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Inland Port Authority (OIPA) has a new director, Garry Clark. Clark has nearly two decades of economic development work in Nebraska, Florida, his native Washington, D.C., Washington State, and Oklahoma.

The OIPA board approved Clark's hire on July 3. His first day is today (July 14).

Clark brings experience with port authorities to this post. Having served as president and CEO of Economic Alliance Snohomish County in Everett, Washington, Clark said he knows the economic impact such entities can have in driving real estate and other economic development to an area through the ability to connect transportation modes and draw industry. He called Omaha's Inland Port Authority, which launched in 2024, "a kickstart" and "game changer" that will be extremely beneficial to the city.

"An inland port authority has the possibility of developing and nurturing access," Clark said. "A community can hit a full range of economic capacity points: transportation, manufacturing, infrastructure, all of this can come together to create a holistic approach to economic development."

Clark is no stranger to Nebraska. The Washington, D.C., native earned degrees from Dana College in Blair and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He also led economic development efforts in Cuming County, Nebraska, and in Fremont, Nebraska. Clark said he is eager to work with Omaha Mayor John W. Ewing, Jr., and other Omaha leaders in fueling substantial industry, infrastructure, and real estate development in northeast Omaha.

"Nebraska is near and dear to my heart. I am really excited about returning - this is a full-circle moment for me," Clark said.

"I'm excited about the potential for putting this inland port authority on the map, being collaborative, and giving energy to the people of this region."

Ewing said Clark's hire places a dynamic leader in the driver's seat of a crucial economic engine.

"Omaha has an incredible opportunity to transform an area rich with potential," the mayor said. "The proximity to Eppley Airfield and downtown Omaha, plus being home to a population ready for the kinds of good jobs these efforts can create, are just two assets. Garry can help harness our efforts to bring change and improvement, which will be impactful not just for northeast Omaha but for the whole city."

Omaha Inland Port Authority Board President Terrell McKinney called Clark's hire the catalyst needed to steer efforts already underway to create an airport business park and innovation district.

"We're excited to have Garry come and assist us in making this effort all it can be for the people of Omaha," McKinney said.

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About the Omaha Inland Port Authority

The Omaha Inland Port Authority (OIPA) was created by the City of Omaha to oversee and guide a State of Nebraska effort aimed at driving economic development to portions of northeast Omaha that sit near Eppley Airfield and rail lines. The Nebraska Economic Recovery Act of 2022 created the mechanism for establishing inland port authorities, government entities that can play a big role in shaping real estate, industrial, and other development. The Omaha City Council in 2024 passed an ordinance creating OIPA. It has a nine-member board appointed by the Omaha mayor and confirmed by the Omaha City Council.

The OIPA can facilitate development, including public infrastructure, by issuing revenue bonds, acquiring, owning, building, and selling property, entering contracts, charging fees, and working with government agencies on funding. Two priority projects are the Airport Business Park and Innovation District.

About the Airport Business Park

Two local organizations - Omaha Economic Development Corp. and Burlington Capital - are guiding a $90 million state-funded effort to create a business park within a puzzle-piece-shaped, 3,000-acre geography in city limits (see map). Currently, this effort is in a pre-development stage as the groups seek to engage property owners and the community, while embarking on feasibility studies, infrastructure planning, and initial business recruitment efforts.

About the Innovation District

OIPA is undertaking a $30 million effort to create an innovation district within the port authority boundaries (see map). The innovation district aims to address economic challenges the North Omaha community has faced by integrating leading-edge institutions, companies, startups, and business incubators to foster job creation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development.