Deryk Clark

Professional Background

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Deryk Clark is a seasoned nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing community-centered programs that support homeless youth, foster youth, probation-involved youth, and families across Santa Clara County. His work is rooted in equity, collaboration, and creating opportunities that empower young people to thrive.

 

Deryk currently serves as a Santa Clara County Juvenile Justice Commissioner, where he contributes to policy oversight and youth-centered system improvement. He also holds several key leadership roles, including Board Member of the San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School, Board Member of Lighthouse of Hope Counseling Center, Governance Board Member for the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s Opportunity Youth Academy (OYA), and Youth Committee Member for Work2Future.

 

His previous service includes roles as a Board Member for California Youth Connection and as a member of the Santa Clara County Juvenile Justice Systems Collaborative (JJSC) Race Equity Through Prevention Workgroup, where he helped advance initiatives focused on fairness and prevention within the juvenile justice system. Dedicated to equity, opportunity, mental health, and meaningful system-level change, Deryk continues to champion initiatives that strengthen youth and families and advance community well-being.

 

Achievements

· A Pioneer for Transitional Housing: Secured funding for Santa Clara County’s initial Transitional Housing Program for Foster Youth.

· Founding Leadership: Founding Board Member of California Youth Connections becoming a 501(3c). A statewide organization that transforms the foster care system through legislative and policy change.

· Higher Education Access: Helped launch initial Guardians Scholars Program at San Jose State University supporting foster youth.

· Educational Partnerships: Developed MOUs with Silicon Valley community colleges & Bill Wilson Center for homeless student services.

· System Innovation: Partnered with previous Santa Clara County Office of Education Superintendent to obtain one of the first Opportunity Youth Academy (OYA) sites.

·  Leadership Development: Previously created a Youth Leadership Summitt hosted by Mission College.

· Policy Advocacy: Built alliances with elected officials to advance youth-centered policies.

 

Leadership Philosophy

 

Grounded in compassion and collaboration, Deryk leads with a deep belief in community. He fosters trust, elevates youth and family voices, and champions equity. “True leadership is measured not by what one achieves individually, but by how one uplifts others. Every person deserves the chance to thrive with dignity and purpose.”

 

Personal Mission Statement

 

Deryk is driven by a commitment and belief that every person deserves the chance to thrive. His mission is to uplift youth and families through compassionate systems, expanded opportunities, and stronger mental health supports. He works to create lasting changes through collaboration and advocacy.

 

Core Values

 

Deryk believes in the power of collaboration and community voice, ensuring that youth and families are partners in shaping meaningful solutions. Each person’s journey will be filled with challenges, but challenges can be opportunities in disguise. Build relationships, seek mentors, and never underestimate your resilience. Service to others will not only change their lives – it will change yours.