Principal, Arden Clark Foundation

With over 30 years of leadership across nonprofits, education, and financial services, David Hawn brings a wealth of experience and a strong dedication to social impact, economic mobility, and expanded access to education.

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His career is characterized by transformative initiatives and strategic leadership that create lasting change.

As President & CEO of Urban Ventures, David led the organization through significant growth—tripling revenue, completing a $10 million capital campaign, and launching an innovative early learning center and a vocational training school during a challenging period. His efforts focused on supporting families and mentoring young men of color through pathways of personal development.

Previously, David served as President & CEO of ECMC Group, overseeing a $700 million organization with more than 2,500 employees and playing a key role in establishing Zenith Education Group, a major nonprofit vocational training network. His leadership roles at Wells Fargo, Great Lakes Higher Education, and College Loan Corporation further demonstrate his ability to drive organizational growth, operational efficiency, and service expansion.

Specializing in interim CEO roles, David provides stability and strategic focus during times of transition. He also dedicates himself to mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, offering hands-on guidance in operations, financial management, and growth strategies.

David holds a BA in Psychology and Business Management from the University of Minnesota and multiple certificates from the University of St. Thomas. He actively contributes to community initiatives and serves on several boards, committed to fostering positive social change.  

David’s leadership, strategic insight, and dedication to community building make him a trusted partner for organizations seeking meaningful and sustainable impact.

CEO & Managing Partner, Arden Clark

Troy Groenke is a seasoned entrepreneur and strategic leader with a proven track record of building national platforms, leading successful turnarounds, and simplifying complex strategies to create sustainable growth.

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As CEO and Managing Partner of Arden Clark, Troy brings a personal touch to every engagement, working closely with clients to deliver tailored solutions that drive lasting impact.

With a history of two successful exits and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Troy specializes in strategic and financial case development, business advisory, and operational structuring. His expertise lies in helping organizations clarify their vision, optimize their operations, and implement strategies for long-term success.

Prior to founding Arden Clark, Troy served as Vice President of Marketing & Communication at Urban Ventures, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty. There, he revitalized the organization’s strategic plan, significantly increased both service delivery to youth and families, and boosted financial performance through increased donor engagement.

Troy’s entrepreneurial spirit is further exemplified by his role as co-founder of a successful consulting firm before establishing Arden Clark—where he remains committed to excellence in service delivery. He leads a team of C-suite seasoned professionals and leverages a trusted bench of MBA strategists, operators, and analysts from the University of Chicago’s Civic Scholars Program. This ensures every client receives expert-level guidance, strategic clarity, and hands-on support—delivering results from start to finish.

At Arden Clark, Troy and his team view themselves as an extension of your leadership—combining clear thinking, deep experience, and energized execution to help organizations advance their mission and deepen their impact. Whether tackling complex strategic challenges, refining operational structures, or unlocking new growth opportunities, Troy is dedicated to empowering clients with the insights and support they need to succeed.