While making the announcement Variety president The Children‘s Charity of New York Bill Briendel noted, “We are honored to recognize the contributions of Clark Woods as one of the entertainment industry‘s caring and dedicated role models for children. Clark is a true friend and mentor who deserves our respect and admiration for his selflessness and contributions to the healthy development of our nation‘s children.”

A 28-year veteran of theatrical distribution, Clark Woods joined MGM as President Domestic Theatrical Distribution in March 2006, overseeing all aspects of the company‘s revitalized theatrical distribution operations in North America. Among his most recent professional accomplishments was the successful release of Rocky Balboa the sixth and final film in the popular Rocky feature film franchise.

Woods‘ career began at Sun Classic Pictures in 1978. Later that same year, he transitioned to Paramount Pictures, working first in the studio‘s Washington, D.C. branch and holding numerous positions over the next 26 years. While at Paramount, Mr. Woods served as a vital part of the studio‘s distribution team, spearheading award-winning films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Titanic and War of the Worlds. Until joining MGM in 2006, Woods held the title of Executive Vice President, General Sales Manager at Paramount, a post he assumed in 2000.

Woods is also past president of the Variety Club of Southern California, Tent 25 and currently sits on their advisory board. He is also the current Treasurer of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers, Vice President of Variety Club International, board member of Variety Lifeline and a member of the advisory board of his alma mater, the American University‘s School of Communications.

The past awardees include Focus Features‘ President of Theatrical Distribution Jack Foley (2006), Buena Vista Distribution President Chuck Viane (2005), New Line Domestic Theatrical Distribution President David Tuckerman (2004), MGM COO Rick Sands (honored while Miramax Chief Operating Officer in 2003), and the late Albert “Cubby” Broccoli (1968), among others.

The Variety Boys & Girls Clubs of Queens is a not-for-profit corporation serving youth ages 6 to 17 since 1955. Promoting the social, educational, health, leadership, and character development of boys and girls during critical periods of their growth, the Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. In addition to instilling each child with a sense of hope and opportunity, Variety Boys & Girls Clubs of Queens also offers ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals, life-enhancing programs and character development experiences. The Club‘s Performing Arts Program offers youth an opportunity to learn acting and singing, theater prop preparation, lighting and other components essential to staging a play.

Variety-The Children‘s Charity of New York raises funds for hospitals, agencies and programs in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut).