Hospitality Human Resources Executive (Retired)
Sociology, Bachelor of Arts (BA) 1985

Carolyn Clark’s extensive career in the hospitality industry spanned over 40 years. She held various senior positions with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts since 1974 including vice president, human resources, and executive director, human resources. Clark was promoted as senior vice president, human resources in 2005 and in 2015 Clark was appointed SVP, talent & culture (Human Resources), North & Central America, for Accor Hotels. In this position Clark had responsibility for all aspects of human resources for all brands in the North & Central America Region until her retirement in June 2018.

Clark was awarded the Educator of the Year at the Ontario Hostelry Institute Gold Awards. Additionally, she was granted an Honorary Degree in Hospitality Operations Management from the Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts, George Brown College, Toronto. Clark was recognized with the 2015 Human Resources Award from the Hotel Association of Canada and inducted into its Hall of Fame. In 2020 she received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cornell HR and Hospitality Conference.

Clark graduated from York University with a BA in Sociology. Her past affiliations included member, American Hotel & Lodging Association Human Resource Committee, Council of Human Resources Executives, Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council and the Board of Directors, Canadian Hospitality Foundation. Clark is currently a member of the Advisory Board for the Women in Tourism and Hospitality Organization (WITH). She is also a volunteer member of Dress for Success Professional Women’s Development Group, which empowers women to transition back to the workplace.