Continuing Tom's Legacy Through Civic Leadership

The Tom Clark Legacy Fund, established in partnership with Rocky Mountain Partnership (RMP) and with support from Metro Denver EDC, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council of Colorado, and Civic Results honors the extraordinary impact of Tom Clark. Tom was not only a visionary leader who transformed the entire Denver metro region during his tenure as CEO of Metro Denver EDC but also someone whose values transcended his professional achievements.

Together, Tom and his wife, Donna, chose RMP to honor his legacy, driven by their deep-rooted connection to Adams County. As long-time residents of the county, Tom and Donna were committed to supporting local communities, understanding firsthand how regional collaboration could create lasting change. They saw RMP's proven ability to bring together leaders from business, government, education, and community sectors within Adams County to tackle pressing challenges.

RMP’s mission to build strong, resilient communities through collaborative leadership mirrors the values Tom lived by both in and out of the workplace. They believe this initiative will benefit from the focused attention it will receive starting locally in Adams County, which has long been a critical area of growth and opportunity. While the initiative’s roots are in Adams County, its impact will expand across the state, developing leaders who are capable of shaping Colorado’s future—just as Tom did.

Why Rocky Mountain Partnership?

RMP is dedicated to ensuring that young people achieve the cradle-to-career outcomes necessary for upward mobility and regional prosperity. Tom and Donna chose RMP because they believe this organization is uniquely positioned to carry forward Tom's legacy, and Donna knows she can trust RMP to involve her integrally in the process. As an active participant, Donna is personally involved in shaping the initiative, including her hands-on role with the Civic Influencer Fellowship Program. This program embodies the values that made Tom so successful—collaboration, integrity, and a deep commitment to lifting others up—while empowering the next generation of civic leaders to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. Through RMP, Donna is ensuring Tom’s vision lives on and continues to uplift young leaders in a meaningful way.

Tom Clark's Lasting Impact

Tom’s legacy is about much more than his role and success in economic development projects like the Denver International Airport. His true success lay in the principles he embodied—his belief in regionalism, collaboration, and fostering opportunities for others. He knew that lasting change could only happen when everyone worked together. Whether mentoring a young professional or bringing different sectors together, Tom always strived to build stronger, more connected communities.

Throughout his career, Tom played a vital role in shaping Colorado’s economic landscape, however, what resonates most with his wife Donna and those who know him was his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of everyone in the community. Even as he faces the challenges of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)—a progressive degenerative condition that impacts personality, social cues, and communication—Tom continues to inspire others with his bravery and grace, reflecting his resilience and enduring spirit.

This legacy lives on through the Tom Clark Legacy Fund. The Civic Influencer Fellowship Program, which the fund supports, teaches young leaders the same principles that guided Tom. Participants gain hands-on experience, mentorship from established civic leaders, and training to address the policy challenges their communities face. They also receive stipends for their time. Tom’s belief in regional collaboration, his ability to unite diverse voices, and his passion for mentoring the next generation are all woven into the fabric of this fellowship.

*Metro Denver EDC created the above video to honor Tom’s achievements at the 2024 Site Selection Dinner, and we are grateful for their permission to share it as we celebrate his incredible contributions!

The Opportunity to Build Stronger Communities

Economic development is about more than numbers and deals—it’s about building communities with sustainable talent. This requires leaders who embody the principles Tom lived by in all sectors, including local government, education, healthcare, law enforcement, and more. When leaders think the way Tom did—prioritizing collaboration and regionalism—we have the opportunity to build the strongest economies and communities possible.

The Civic Influencer Fellowship goes even further by focusing on young people from historically marginalized backgrounds who bring lived experience from the areas that need the most improvement toward economic viability. By empowering these young leaders, who are deeply representative of the communities they serve, the program ensures that Tom’s legacy is not only preserved but expanded. These leaders will apply the values of collaboration, integrity, and regionalism to create lasting, transformative change, building stronger communities and shaping a more inclusive, prosperous future for Colorado.

Be Part of Tom’s Legacy

We invite you to join us in honoring Tom Clark's remarkable contributions by becoming a founding supporter of the Tom Clark Legacy Fund. Your donation will directly support the Civic Influencer Fellowship, providing life-changing mentorship, training, and leadership development for young civic influencers.

Each goes towards the full experience for a Civic Influencer Fellow, offering them the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact in their community. Starting in Adams County and scaling across Colorado, these young leaders will carry Tom’s values forward, ensuring his passion for mentorship and leadership continues to benefit our state for years to come.

What Your Donation Supports

By contributing to the Tom Clark Legacy Fund, you are investing in the entire Civic Influencer Fellowship experience for young leaders. There is no cost for participants to join this fellowship, but it takes significant resources to provide them with the full range of opportunities that will help shape them into the next generation of leaders who embody Tom’s principles. Your donation supports:

Training and Curriculum Development: The fellowship provides in-depth training on leadership, collaboration, and community engagement. Your contribution helps us continually build and improve this curriculum, ensuring that Tom’s values of integrity, regionalism, and collaboration are woven into every part of the program.
Participant Stipends: Fellows receive stipends for their participation, making this opportunity accessible to young leaders from all backgrounds. These stipends enable them to focus on learning and growing without financial barriers.
Mentorship and Hands-On Experience: Fellows are paired with mentors—experienced leaders from various sectors—who guide them through real-world challenges, providing invaluable hands-on experience. These mentors, many of whom worked with Tom or are inspired by his leadership style, help fellows apply the principles Tom championed in their day-to-day work.

Your support doesn’t just cover the curriculum—it funds the entire fellowship. You are empowering these young leaders by providing them with everything they need to succeed: training, mentorship, financial support, and real-world experience.

Ultimately, your contribution to the Tom Clark Legacy Fund is an investment in building the next generation of civic leaders who embody Tom’s values in all aspects of their work—from local government to education, healthcare, law enforcement, and beyond. These leaders will carry forward Tom’s legacy of collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to community.

The Impact of Your Contribution

Empowering Future Leaders: Your support equips young civic influencers with the skills and experience needed to lead, create meaningful change, and become effective community leaders.
Promoting Collaboration and Partnership: The program’s curriculum, inspired by Tom’s ethos, focuses on breaking down silos and fostering collaboration, ensuring these essential values are instilled in the next generation of civic leaders.

Introducing the Tom Clark Legacy Founders

Legacy Founders are individuals and organizations who have made early contributions to the Tom Clark Legacy Fund, helping us build momentum toward our initial goal of raising $200,000. These early supporters embody Tom’s leadership by ensuring the Civic Influencer Fellowship has the resources needed to empower young leaders for years to come. Their generosity helps to ensure that Tom’s vision of collaboration, innovation, and community impact continues to thrive.

Why Support the Tom Clark Legacy Fund?

Tom believed that long-term engagement and sustained effort were key to driving meaningful change. The Civic Influencer Fellowship reflects Tom’s commitment to mentoring future leaders, offering hands-on experience, mentorship from civic leaders, and the skills to tackle the challenges affecting their communities. By contributing to this fund, you are not only honoring Tom’s legacy but also investing in a future where civic leaders collaborate to solve community challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Tom Clark Legacy Fund support the Civic Influencer Fellowship? The fund provides resources for training, stipends, and program activities that align with Tom Clark's vision of collaborative civic leadership. This includes funding for the Tom Clark Legacy Training Day and supporting fellowships for young civic leaders.
What types of projects or initiatives does the fund support? The fund primarily supports the Civic Influencer Fellowship Program, which includes leadership training, community engagement projects, and initiatives that promote collaboration and partnership in solving community problems.
Are there different ways to donate (one-time, recurring donations, etc.)? Yes, we offer both one-time and recurring donation options.
Is my donation tax-deductible? Yes, all donations to the Tom Clark Legacy Fellowship Fund are tax-deductible.
What payment methods are accepted for donations? We accept various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and checks. For large donations or special arrangements, please contact our development office directly.
Will I receive a receipt for my donation? Yes, you will receive a receipt, which you can use for tax purposes.
Are there donor recognition programs for contributors to the Tom Clark Legacy Fund? Yes, we have various recognition programs depending on the level of contribution. These may include acknowledgment in our annual report, invitations to special events, or naming opportunities for significant donations. Please contact AshleyEdinger@RMPBackbone.org for more details.
How can I stay updated on the impact of my donation? Donors will receive regular updates via email newsletters, which include stories about the Civic Influencer Fellows, program achievements, and the overall impact of the fund.
How can I get involved beyond donating? There are several ways to get involved:
- Volunteer at our events
- Mentor a Civic Influencer Fellow
- Spread the word about our program on social media
- Attend our public events and workshops
Who can I contact if I have more questions about donating? For any additional questions about donating or the Tom Clark Legacy Fund, please contact our development office at KendraSimpson@RMPBackbone.org

Your privacy is important to us. All donor information is kept confidential and will only be used for the purposes of the Tom Clark Legacy Fellowship Fund.

Legacy Founders

We are honored to recognize the following individuals and organizations as Legacy Founders of the Tom Clark Legacy Fund. Their early and impactful investment is helping us build a foundation that will support future civic leaders in the Denver region and beyond!

Bill Ritter Jr.

Cynthia and Doug Evans

Dave Ferrill

Deb Price

Dr. Michele Haney

Fred & Julie Niehaus

Susan Blansett

Richard Abels

Rob Reuteman

Roger Sherman

Jonathon Niehaus

Holli and Randy Riebel

Cindy Westergaard

Ken and Jill Fellman

Brian Lewandowski

Atler Family Fund

Thomas Currigan

David Alengi

Dana Alengi

Dina Alengi Storz

Chris Leding

John B Greenman

The Tom Clark Legacy Fund

By Rocky Mountain Partnership

The Tom Clark Legacy Fund

Honoring a Pioneer in Economic Development