H. Clark Goodwin

Hometown: Monroe, North Carolina

Industry: Banking

early life

H. Clark Goodwin was one of the titans of free enterprise in North Carolina and a man who left a positive imprint in our community, state and nation. He was a builder in the banking world and a model for philanthropic giving and leadership. Clark was raised in Union County and graduated from Monroe High School. He attended Wingate Junior College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated from the Indiana School of Banking. Clark worked in the banking industry for 42 years.

career

He began his banking career in Marshville, NC and it led him to Albemarle where he eventually became President of NC Federal Savings and Loan. Clark returned to Union County in 1982 to start the Bank of Union. Under his leadership, Bank of Union saw an average 69% return for 17 years before being sold to First Charter Bank.

Free enterprise hero

Clark served on numerous Boards and was a respected leader, philanthropist and public servant. He served for over 40 years as a member of the Wingate Board of Trustees – the longest serving trustee in the school’s history. In 2012, Clark’s beloved Wingate University awarded him with a Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Clark was one of the founding board members of The Jesse Helms Center and served 25 years with stints as its chairman and treasurer.