The OPC Foundation announced the appointment of Michael Clark as the Director of OPC Foundation North America. President and executive director Stefan Hoppe selected Clark to serve in this capacity to support OPC North American membership and function as a spokesperson for the Foundation throughout the region.
With more than 30 years of experience, Clark is internationally recognized in the process automation sector for his expertise in industrial control system (ICS) fieldbus protocols. Clark is also recognized for his contributions to the Open Process Automation Standard (OPAS) since its inception. As a vendor-neutral advocate for the end-user community, Clark became the founding director of BusCorp Inc., a Canadian-based consulting firm dedicated to design, implementation, commissioning and training in the competencies of ICS networks and fieldbus systems. He has supported industrial sectors across the globe including, refining and upgrading, chemicals, food and beverage, gas exploration, off-shore production, water and waste water treatment, power generation, and nuclear remediation.
Recognizing Clark’s experience in process automation, Hoppe says: “Mike brings expertise and knowledge to the OPC Foundation for which we have long been searching. His background in the process automation industry and his exceptional reputation across a wide array of operating companies extends the Foundation’s reach beyond sectors we currently serve—it provides increased exposure of OPC technologies and greater opportunities for adoption in areas where we are strengthening our focus.”
The skills and competencies that the OPC Foundation identified for this position include a deep understanding of the process industry, a collaborative and strategic attitude, and the ability to foster long-term relationships with member companies and end users alike. With the last 20-plus years of his career focused on expert leadership in the evaluation, adoption, and implementation of new technologies along with his professional end user advocacy in the industrial automation sphere, Clark is a perfect fit, the Foundation says.
“I am sincerely honored to accept this exciting opportunity on behalf of the OPC Foundation," Clark says. "In recent years, I have come to recognize the expertise and laser-focused vision within the Foundation and its member companies. I share that vision; I recognize the remarkable potential to invite and encourage innovation—to help facilitate new and existing participation from organizations embarking upon their adoption of OPC technologies.”
