Welcoming Our New Executive Director: Deryk Clark

Advent Group Ministries is proud to announce the appointment of Deryk Clark as our new Executive Director: an experienced, values-driven nonprofit leader whose life’s work has been dedicated to uplifting youth, families, and communities across Santa Clara County.

With more than 30 years of service in community-centered programs, Deryk brings a deep commitment to equity, collaboration, and creating opportunities that empower young people to thrive. His leadership reflects not only professional expertise but a personal mission rooted in compassion and justice.

A Leader Shaped by Service

Throughout his career, Deryk has championed programs supporting homeless youth, foster youth, probation-involved youth, and families. His approach is grounded in the belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to flourish.

Deryk currently serves as a Santa Clara County Juvenile Justice Commissioner, where he helps advance youth-centered system improvements and equitable policy oversight. His leadership extends across the county through several key roles, including:

• Board Member, San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School

• Board Member, Lighthouse of Hope Counseling Center

• Governance Board Member, Opportunity Youth Academy (Santa Clara County Office of Education)

• Youth Committee Member, Work2Future

He has also previously served on the board of California Youth Connection and participated in the Juvenile Justice Systems Collaborative Race Equity Through Prevention Workgroup—supporting fairness, prevention, and systemic reform.

A Legacy of Impact

Deryk’s career includes numerous achievements that have left a lasting impact on youth services in Santa Clara County:

• Pioneering Transitional Housing: Secured funding for the county’s first transitional housing program for foster youth.

• Foundational Leadership: Served as a founding board member during the establishment of California Youth Connection as a 501(c)(3), supporting statewide policy and legislative change.

• Expanding Higher Education Access: Helped launch the Guardian Scholars Program at San José State University.

• Strengthening Educational Partnerships: Developed MOUs with Silicon Valley community colleges and Bill Wilson Center for homeless student services.

• System Innovation: Partnered to establish one of the county’s first Opportunity Youth Academy sites.

• Empowering Young Leaders: Created a Youth Leadership Summit hosted by Mission College.

• Policy Advocacy: Built alliances with elected officials to advance youth-centered public policy.

These accomplishments reflect Deryk’s belief that systems must be compassionate, opportunities must be accessible, and communities thrive when youth and families are uplifted.

Leadership Grounded in Values

Deryk’s leadership philosophy centers on compassion, collaboration, and community voice. He fosters trust, elevates youth and family perspectives, and champions equity in every setting. As he often reminds those he works with:

“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.”

His personal mission is to create lasting change through collaborative relationships, expanded opportunities, and strengthened mental health supports. He believes that challenges can become opportunities, and that resilience grows when people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Looking Ahead at Advent Group Ministries

We are honored to welcome Deryk into the Advent Group Ministries family. His decades of experience, deep community partnerships, and unwavering dedication to justice and well-being align powerfully with our mission.

Together, we look forward to building on our legacy of healing, hope, and transformation for youth and families across our region.

Please join us in welcoming Deryk Clark as our new Executive Director.