DMC's Clarke announces retirement

After leading Destination Medical Center through its first five years of development, Lisa Clarke has announced plans to retire.

Her last day at the helm of the DMC EDA will be January 4, 2021.

Clarke has been one of the main faces of DMC since as far back as 2010 when, then working at Mayo Clinic, she helped lay the framework for what would become the largest public-private partnership in state history. In 2014, following a nationwide search, she was appointed as the first-ever executive director of the privately-run DMC EDA.

“Lisa has been the foremost champion for the DMC initiative,” said Mayo Clinic Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Bolton, who also serves as president of the DMC EDA Board. “Through her leadership and enthusiastic collaboration with business partners, legislators, developers and entrepreneurs, DMC has made great progress on its 20-year journey to realize Rochester’s full potential as an economic engine for the region and state. Although we will miss her daily involvement, we are pleased that she will continue as an ambassador for DMC and the city.”

Clarke’s current deputy, economic development director Patrick Seeb, has been selected by the DMC EDA Board to succeed Clarke. Prior to coming to Rochester, Seeb spent 20 years leading the St. Paul Riverfront Corporation.

“I am grateful for Lisa’s boundless energy and dedication to the DMC vision for Rochester’s growth,” Mayor Kim Norton said in a statement. “She has been at the table to address critical issues in the community and she continues to advance projects and programs to ensure Rochester’s future. The selection of Patrick Seeb as DMC EDA’s new executive director ensures continued leadership and continuity as we move forward.”

Cover photo: Lisa Clarke / courtesy DMC EDA