Concordia College has named Rachel (Hanson) Clarke ’00 the new vice president for finance and administration. Clarke, who most recently served as associate vice president for advancement, has been a valuable member of the Concordia community for more than a decade.
Clarke replaces Linda Brown, who retired this summer after 39 years of service to college.
Clarke’s contributions to Concordia extend beyond her roles in advancement. She has been an active participant in several cross-campus initiatives, including the campus master plan, Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation, Student Employment Committee, and Projects Committee.
“Rachel’s dedication to our mission, combined with her extensive operations experience and strategic leadership, make her the perfect fit for this vital role,” President Colin Irvine said.
Before joining Concordia, Clarke served as the associate executive director of YWCA Cass Clay and as the vice president of retail sales and marketing at Union State Bank. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and English literature from Concordia College and a Master of Business Administration degree and Master of Management degree from the University of Mary.
“She brings a strengths-based leadership approach to her work, fostering a culture of empowerment, innovation, and accountability,” Irvine said.
Outside of work, Clarke is an active youth leader at First Lutheran Church in Fargo, a devoted swim and baseball parent volunteer, and an enthusiastic supporter of the 119th Security Forces Squadron Key Spouse Program.