Julia Kim Clarke (Pardee ’91) Appointed as New Chair of Pardee School Dean’s Advisory Board
Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies is pleased to announce the appointment of Julia Kim Clarke (Pardee ’91) as the new Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board. Clarke, a distinguished alumna and accomplished tech executive, brings a wealth of experience in international business and finance to this crucial leadership role.
Clarke’s journey from Pardee to her current position as Chief Financial Officer at two privately held software companies showcases the diverse career paths available to graduates of international relations programs. After graduating cum laude with a dual B.A. in International Relations and East Asian Studies in 1991, Clarke spent a decade in investment banking, specializing in Asian equity investments during a period of explosive growth in Asian economic development and capital markets.
“My international relations and East Asian economic development studies were pivotal in landing me the job on Wall Street,” Clarke reflects. “It allowed me to help develop the financial markets in non-Japan Asia, including China, completing really 90% of the IPOs out of that region in that 10-year period.”
Now, as CFO at IDC Global Inc. and Etan Tolling Technologies, Clarke leverages her global perspective in the tech sector. “Running software companies with resources and clients globally, you can’t really be in a bubble anymore,” she notes. “International relations and knowing what’s happening globally is critical to anybody who’s running private or public sector.”
As Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Clarke aims to support Dean Scott Taylor’s strategic vision for the school. Key priorities include completing the future home for the school, establishing Pardee’s brand internally and externally, increasing alumni engagement, and leveraging BU’s interdisciplinary culture to give Pardee an edge in global studies.
“It’s an exciting time for Pardee to establish a position and a brand,” Clarke says. “We’re here to support the Dean’s strategic plan and the school’s mission to promote human progress through education.”
Dean Scott Taylor expressed his enthusiasm for Clarke’s appointment: “I am thrilled that Julia Clarke has become our new DAB Chair. As a member of the DAB since its founding, as well as in her service as a member of the University Advisory Board, Julia has shown an unwavering commitment both to BU and Pardee. She is an accomplished finance sector professional, entrepreneur, and leader. I am excited to work with the Board under her leadership as we chart the future of the school about which we care so deeply.”
Clarke succeeds Ruth Moorman (CAS ’88, SED ’89, ’09, BU Trustee) in this role. Moorman, who remains on the board, was instrumental in guiding and supporting the school from its early days as the first board chair. Dean Taylor praised Moorman’s contributions: “Ruth was and remains one of Pardee’s biggest champions. As the school’s first board chair, she has been instrumental in guiding and supporting the school from its early days. Although she took the role in partnership with Dean Najam, I was incredibly grateful that she stayed on for my first two years as dean. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Ruth and I have benefitted from her wise counsel and her steady leadership of the Dean’s Advisory Board. I look forward to working with her as a continuing member of the DAB.”
In her new role, Clarke emphasizes the importance of staying connected and giving back to the Pardee community. “The Pardee network is vibrant,” she says. “There are incredible alumni out there. It’s an amazing network that you’re automatically part of. Take advantage of it and be a proud Pardee alum.”
As Pardee continues to evolve and establish itself as a leading institution in global studies, Clarke’s leadership promises to bring valuable insights, global perspective, and a deep commitment to the school’s mission.