Kenneth A. Clarke

Kenneth A. Clarke (or Ken Clarke) is currently the President and CEO of Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Chicago. He has also published and produced works as KC Clarke.

Early Life
Clarke’s family has served in the military in every generation between the American Revolution and World War II – something he credits his with interest in military history and the citizen soldier.

He earned his BA in English and Political Science from Taylor University in 1992. Following that, he studied for a MA in English at Miami University (1994).

Career
Clarke has spent most of his career working in the development and non-profit spheres. He has served in some capacity at the Ohio Historical Society, John G Shedd Aquarium, Ohio State University, The Poetry Centre at the School of the Art Institute and Safer Foundation.

While Clarke was at the Poetry Center, it began publishing its annual anthology Hands on Stanzas.

At Pritzker Military Museum and Library, Clarke first served as Vice President of Administration and Operations. He began producing and hosting episodes of Pritzker Military Presents and Citizen Soldier, the library’s two web and television programs. He took over as the Museum's President and CEO in 2012.

Clarke is a board member of the USO of Illinois and a member of Sons of the American Revolution.

Awards
In 2003, Clarke received Columbia College’s Paul Berger Arts Entrepreneurship Award for "outstanding not-for-profit management".

In 2004, New City Chicago's Annual Lit50 list featured Clarke as #13 for producing "readings by Billy Corgan and Lucinda Williams and Miller Williams". The following year, he was placed at #23 for "securing The Poetry Center's archive at The University of Chicago Library".

Also in 2004, Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed Clarke to the Advisory Board of the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.

Personal life
Clarke lives in Chicago with his wife, Laura Biddle Clarke and their daughter.