We’re excited to introduce you to Jason Myles Clark, Tech:NYC’s next executive director. He succeeds our founder, Julie Samuels, who will remain on the board of directors. His first day will be January 24, 2022.

Ahead of his first day, he spoke to Crain’s New York about his top priority: ensuring the tech industry works to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.

A little bit about Jason: he was born and raised in Southeast Queens and is an alumnus of The Bronx High School of Science. He spent nine years as an assistant attorney general in the Office of the New York State Attorney General, including five years as the First Attorney for the Harlem Regional Office. He comes to Tech:NYC from Hamilton Clarke LLP, where he was partner.

In addition to his legal career, Clark has been a pillar of his community: he founded DREAMChasers, an organization helping students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds attend NYC’s specialized high schools; is the legal director of Good Call NYC, a startup that connects arrested New Yorkers with a free attorney; and is the past president of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. He also ran for New York City Council in District 27, his home district.

Jason has earned the praise of prominent industry and community leaders across the state — here’s just some of what they’re saying about his appointment:

“From my time with him on Community Board 10 in Harlem, I can say Jason Clark is someone who knows how to not just get people back on their feet today, but get them moving forward tomorrow too,” said Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin. “Jason puts words into action because he truly cares about the outcomes of the people he serves. New Yorkers are lucky to have him working for their interests in tech as the new executive director of Tech:NYC.”

“Thanks to Tech:NYC’s work over the last six years, New York’s tech sector continues to spur innovation and create opportunities for the local economy,” said Fred Wilson, Partner at Union Square Ventures and Co-Chair of the Tech:NYC Board of Directors. “Jason will provide excellent leadership to the organization and the work to expand tech skill access, especially in our schools.”

“Since he was young, Jason has been motivated by the amount of good he knows he can do for the city that he loves,” said Dr. Hazel Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference. “I am proud to see him take on such an impactful role as head of Tech:NYC at a time when so many New Yorkers, especially in our Black and Brown communities, need the jobs, resources, and overall economic mobility that tech can offer. I know Jason will make sure that happens.”

“Tech:NYC set out with a goal to make tech a vital sector of the city's economy, one that reflects and capitalizes on the rich diversity that is uniquely New York so that everyone can participate in this growing industry,” said William Floyd, Director of US State and Local Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google and Tech:NYC Board Member. “Jason is well-qualified to advance this vision for New York’s tech ecosystem and take it to the next level. I look forward to supporting him as Tech:NYC continues to promote tech’s positive impact on our city.”

“Tech can and should be for everyone, and Jason’s background shows me he’s able to help make that reality for New Yorkers,” said Reshma Saujani, Founder of Girls Who Code, Founder & CEO of the Marshall Plan for Moms, and Tech:NYC Board Member. “I applaud Jason for prioritizing equity as he leads Tech:NYC through its next chapter — yet another reason to be optimistic about the future of tech in New York.”

“New York continues to be the best place for emerging startups and established tech companies alike to grow their business,” said Kevin Ryan, Founder & CEO of AlleyCorp and Tech:NYC Board Member. “Jason is taking over Tech:NYC as the sector is truly maturing, and I’m really excited to see how he leverages that growth for the city during this turning point moment.”

We’re so excited to introduce Jason to the Tech:NYC community. As outgoing executive director Julie Samuels put it:

“I’ve always said Tech:NYC is a community of people who are first and foremost New Yorkers. Jason is definitely that, and it’s why I know he’ll continue to build meaningful partnerships between tech and the city with the interests of everyday New Yorkers top of mind. I’m incredibly proud of everything the Tech:NYC team has accomplished in the past six years, growing the organization from five founding members to 800 and counting. I can’t wait to see where Jason takes it.”

If you have any questions before Jason takes the helm next week, don’t be shy! To our members, partners, and friends: We look forward to introducing him to you soon!