Clayton brings tri-sector experience to SNF having worked in the government, non-profit and private sectors. He also has an MBA in finance and accounting and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Jacksonville University.

Clayton began his career in community development and government relations roles at Jacksonville University and the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. While at these positions, he helped establish a Community Redevelopment Area for Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood, worked with the JTA to obtain a 2018 BUILD Grant from the USDOT, and became ingrained in the region’s growing “Smart Cities” programs. After leaving the public sector, Clayton worked in strategic innovation for the Haskell Company, a global general contractor. While at Haskell, he worked to enhance the company’s innovation culture by scaling internal innovations and piloting technologies from startups in the architecture, engineering, and construction technology ecosystem.

Clayton’s passion is improving our region’s quality of life by leveraging technology, innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship and as the executive director of Smart North Florida, he intends to do just that.