As a native of Colorado Springs and resident of Woodland Park for over 26 years, Clarke has dedicated himself to serving Colorado.

From 1993 to 2003, Clarke was the Executive Director of the Teller County Economic Development Council.  Concurrently he served the City of Woodland Park as a Planning Commissioner, Councilman and Mayor from 1986 to 1996.  For the next seven years, he was elected as a Teller County Commissioner where he received Colorado Counties Incorporated's "Commissioner of the Year" Award. Clarke is also the past Chair and Founding Member of Action 22 as well as Chair of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Government.

Currently, Clarke is the Executive Director of the Colorado Rural Development Council (CRDC).  CRDC, in concert with federal, state, and local partners, deals with issues relating to community development and infrastructure, health care and telecommunications.