Ian D. Clark is the Past President of the Council of Ontario Universities (COU), an organization that represents the collective interests of the 18 universities and two associate member institutions in Ontario. Currently Ian is a professor in the School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Toronto. He leads the professional development component of the School's Master's program.

A Rhodes Scholar from British Columbia, Ian received a bachelor of science degree in physics and chemistry from the University of British Columbia (1966), a doctor of philosophy degree (1969) from Oxford University and a masters in public policy degree (1972) from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

From 1996 to 1998, Ian was a partner in KPMG. From 1994 to 1996, he served on the executive board of the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C.

From 1972 to 1994, Ian served in a variety of departments and central agencies in the Government of Canada.

Ian serves on the board of the Canadian Urban Institute and the editorial board of Canadian Public Administration. He is a senior fellow of Massey College and the author of numerous articles on public sector management.

Ian and his wife, Marjorie, live in Toronto.